Macauba oil for producing oleochemical products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof, comprising the step of converting oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr into fatty acid methyl esters.The present invention further relates to fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof obtained from the fruits of macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr and their use in suitable applications.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof, comprising a step of converting oil extracted from Macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr into fatty acid methyl esters.The present invention further relates to fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof obtained from the fruits of Macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr and their use in suitable applications. [Background technology]

[0002] Many oil-based products are derived from renewable raw materials such as oil palm (the main source of palm oil). Although this approach is advantageous as it does not damage oil deposits, it does have some disadvantages. One of the issues is that afforestation, for example by cutting down forests to create oil palm plantations, exacerbates the current climate change. Furthermore, deforestation leads to unwanted loss of biodiversity and loss of habitat for local tribes. In addition, oil palm in particular requires tropical conditions, with temperatures of around 24-28°C and monthly rainfall of at least 100mm / m. 2 and preferably with a humidity of about 50-70%. These factors limit the feasibility of profitable cultivation.

[0003] On the other hand, the demand for renewable oils is growing year by year, as the consumption of renewable oils is increasing worldwide. Products derived from renewable oils are found in all important industrial sectors, such as food, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods or energy (biodiesel) sectors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this context, there is a constant need for more environmentally friendly alternatives to known products obtained from renewable oils such as palm oil. In particular, it was an object of the present invention to provide fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof with improved sustainability profile and properties, and an improved process for their production. It was further an object of the present invention to provide fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof, the starting material of which is derived from plants that are less susceptible to temperature fluctuations, and a process for their production. It was then an object to provide personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop formulations, and an improved process for their production, with improved sustainability profile and properties. In this context, the more environmentally friendly alternatives preferably provide at least one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three, and in particular at least four of the following effects: reduced water demand, reduced biodiversity loss, reduced loss of habitat for local tribes, reduced deforestation, enhanced restoration of damaged areas and water sources and watersheds, improved water retention of soils, and increased resistance to temperature fluctuations and climate change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Surprisingly, it has been found that at least one of these objectives can be achieved by using oil extracted from the macaubay palm, which has an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr.

[0006] Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a process for the production of a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprising: a) converting oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr into fatty acid methyl esters; b) optionally converting the fatty acid methyl ester to a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; The present invention relates to a process including the steps of:

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the above-mentioned manufacturing process are described in further detail below, it being understood that each preferred embodiment is suitable either alone or in combination with other preferred embodiments.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment A1 of the first aspect, the macaubay palm is Acrocomia aculeata, and / or The oil is extracted from palm pulp and / or palm kernel, preferably the oil is extracted from macauba kernel, in particular the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the kernel of Acrocomia aculeata.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment A2 of the first aspect, in step a), the conversion is carried out under chemical or enzymatic conditions, preferably under chemical conditions, and / or step a) comprises a transesterification.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment A3 of the first aspect, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) contains, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, C4 to C 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C6-C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C8-C 18 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C8-C 16 Fatty acid methyl ester or C 16 ~C 18 Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C 10 ~C 16 at least 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters; and / or 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester, C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C 145 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C 18 Fatty acid methyl esters 15 to 42% by weight and C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment A4 of the first aspect, the oil yield of the Macaubay palm in tonnes / hectare / year is in the range of 6-30 t / ha / yr, preferably 7-20 t / ha / yr, more preferably 8-15 t / ha / yr.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment A5 of the first aspect, step b) is carried out and the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is selected from the group consisting of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates and alpha sulfonates.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment A6 of the first aspect, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO); and / or The fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained by subsequent conversion into the respective fatty acid methyl ester composition of oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably said oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr being derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0014] In a preferred embodiment A7 of the first aspect, step b) is carried out, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained by subsequent conversion into the respective fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably said oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtainable by the process according to the first aspect.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from the fruit of Macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr, wherein the oil obtained from the Macaubay palm is converted into fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment C1 of the fourth aspect, the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and / or the oil is obtained by extraction from the fruit, preferably the oil is extracted from palm pulp and / or palm kernel, more preferably the oil is extracted from macauba kernel, in particular the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from Acrocomia aculeata kernel.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of oil extracted from the fruits of Macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr for the production of fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition according to the second or third aspect in a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutritional formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation or a crop formulation.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutritional formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation or a crop formulation comprising a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition according to the second or third aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Before describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail, definitions that are important for understanding the present invention are provided.

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a" and "an" also include the respective plural forms, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the context of the present invention, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a margin of accuracy that a person skilled in the art would recognize while still ensuring the technical effect of the feature in question. The terms typically represent a deviation of ±10%, preferably ±8%, more preferably ±5%, and even more preferably ±2% from the indicated numerical value. The terms "comprising" and "encompassing" should be understood to be non-limiting. The term "consisting of" for the purposes of the present invention is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term "comprising of". Hereinafter, when a group is defined as comprising at least a certain number of embodiments, this means that the preferred group consisting of only these embodiments is also included. Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)" and similar terms in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be performed in other orders than those described or illustrated herein. When the terms "first", "second", "third" or "(a)", "(b)", "(c)", "(d)", "i", "ii" and the like refer to steps of a method or use or assay, unless otherwise specified in this application, as described herein above or below, there is no time or consistency between such steps, i.e., the steps may be performed simultaneously or there may be a time interval of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific methodologies, procedures, reagents, etc. described herein as such may vary.It should also be understood that the terms used herein are used only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0023] The terms "does not comprise", "does not contain" or "free of" as used herein in the context that the composition of the invention does not contain a particular compound or does not contain a particular group of compounds, which may be groups combined under a collective term, means that the composition does not contain more than 0.8% by weight of said compound or group of compounds, based on the total weight of the composition. Furthermore, it is preferred that the composition according to the invention does not contain more than 0.5% by weight of said compound or group of compounds, and it is preferred that the composition does not contain any of said compound or group of compounds.

[0024] When referring to weight percentages of compositions and ingredients contained therein, it should be understood that in accordance with the present invention, the total amount of ingredients does not exceed 100% (± 1% to account for rounding).

[0025] The term "personal care composition" refers to any topical and oral product that can be used by a consumer at least once a day for the care, cleaning, protection, maintenance, perfumery or modification of the appearance or feel of the human body, for example as a daily care product for face, hair, body or oral care. The personal care composition may contain one or more active agents, such as organic and / or inorganic UV filters, and other ingredients or additives, such as emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity regulators, stabilizers, preservatives or fragrances. Suitable daily care compositions according to the present invention are, for example, leave-on face and body care products and rinse-off face and body care products.

[0026] Suitable leave-on face and body care products are, for example, sunscreen compositions, decorative preparations and skin care preparations.

[0027] The term "sunscreen composition" or "sunscreen agent" refers to any topical product that can absorb and also reflect and scatter a certain portion of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the term "sunscreen composition" should be understood to include not only sunscreen compositions, but also any cosmetic composition that provides UV protection. The term "topical product" refers to a product that is applied to the skin, and may refer to, for example, a spray, lotion, cream, oil, foam, powder, or gel. According to the present invention, the sunscreen composition may include one or more active agents, such as organic and inorganic UV filters, and other ingredients or additives, such as emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers, preservatives, or fragrances.

[0028] Suitable decorative preparations are, for example, lipsticks, nail varnishes, eye shadows, mascaras, dry or wet make-up, blushers, powders, hair removers and suntan lotions.

[0029] Suitable skin care formulations are, for example, moisturizing, refining and anti-wrinkle formulations. The daily care compositions mentioned here can be in the form of a cream, ointment, paste, foam, gel, lotion, powder, make-up, spray, stick or aerosol.

[0030] The term "UV filter" or "ultraviolet filter" as used herein refers to an organic or inorganic compound that can absorb and also reflect and scatter ultraviolet radiation generated by sunlight. Based on their UV protection curve, UV filters can be classified as UV-A, UV-B or broadband filters.

[0031] Generally, UV light can be divided into UV-A radiation (320-400 nm) and UV-B radiation (290-320 nm). The definition of "broadband" protection (also called broad-spectrum or broad protection) is based on the "critical wavelength". To cover the broad wavelength range, UV-B and UV-A protection must be provided. According to US requirements, the critical wavelength must be at least 370 nm to achieve broad-spectrum protection. The term "critical wavelength" is defined as the wavelength at which the area under the UV protection curve (% protection vs. wavelength) is 90% of the total area under the curve in the UV region (290-400 nm). For example, a critical wavelength of 370 nm means that the protection provided by the sunscreen composition is not limited to UV-B wavelengths, i.e., wavelengths between 290 and 320 nm, but extends up to 370 nm, such that 370 nm is the wavelength at which 90% of the total area under the protection curve in the UV region is reached.

[0032] Suitable rinse-off face and body care products are, for example, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, body scrubs, facial scrubs, and hand soaps. In particular, rinse-off products are hair shampoos, shower gels, soaps, synthetic toilet soaps, cleansing pastes, cleaning lotions, scrubs, face washes, sanitary cleaners for the delicate zones, foam baths, bath oils, shower baths, shaving foams, shaving lotions, shaving creams, effervescent powders / tablets, dental care products (e.g. toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc.). Body care products such as baby shampoos and baths are also suitable rinse-off products.

[0033] The term "emollient" relates to certain cosmetic oils used to protect, moisturize and smooth the skin. The term emollient comes from the Latin "mollire" (to soften). In general, emollients prevent the evaporation of water by forming an occlusive cover on the skin. They can be divided into different groups according to their polarity index.

[0034] "Polarity index" is a term that refers to non-polar or polar oils. Non-polar oils are mainly composed of hydrocarbons and do not contain electronegative elements such as oxygen. In contrast, polar oils contain heteroatoms with different electronegativities, which result in a dipole moment. However, this type of oil is still insoluble in water, i.e., hydrophobic. The polarity index can be determined by measuring the interfacial tension between each oil and water.

[0035] The term "administering" refers to the application of a sunscreen or daily care composition to human skin.

[0036] C n ~C m The prefixes "-" and "-" indicate in each case the number of possible carbon atoms in the group.

[0037] The term "alkyl" as used herein in each instance refers to a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having typically 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 26 or 1 to 6 or 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2-methylbutyl, 3-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-ethylpropyl, n-hexyl, 1,1-dimethylpropyl, 1,2-dimethylpropyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1,1-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3-dimethylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1-ethylbutyl, 2-ethylbutyl, 1,1,2-trimethylpropyl, 1,2,2-trimethylpropyl, 1-ethyl-1-methylpropyl and 1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl.

[0038] The term "fatty alcohol" as used herein refers to a linear or branched, preferably linear, primary alcohol. Fatty alcohols may contain from 4 to 26 carbon atoms. According to the invention, the term fatty alcohol includes saturated or unsaturated alcohols. The double bonds of unsaturated fatty alcohols may give rise to either cis or trans isomers. According to the invention, the term fatty alcohol encompasses saturated and unsaturated alcohols. In this context, mention may be made of 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-decanol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, palmitoyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, erucyl alcohol, lignoceryl alcohol and ceryl alcohol.

[0039] As used herein, the term "fatty alcohol-based surfactant" refers to surfactants derived from the reaction of the primary alcohol group of a fatty alcohol.

[0040] The term "fatty acid" as used herein refers to a carboxylic acid, linear or branched, preferably linear. Fatty acids may contain from 4 to 26 carbon atoms. According to the invention, the term fatty acid includes saturated and unsaturated acids. The double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids may give rise to either cis or trans isomers. In this context, mention may be made of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, linoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, behenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, lignoceric acid and cerotic acid.

[0041] As used herein, the term "fatty acid based surfactant" refers to surfactants derived from the reaction of the primary carboxyl groups of fatty acids.

[0042] As used herein, the term "fatty acid methyl ester" refers to an ester derived from the reaction of the primary carboxyl group of a fatty acid methyl ester.

[0043] As used herein, the term "fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate" refers to an ester derived from the reaction of a primary carboxyl group of a fatty acid with methanol and further containing at least one sulfonate group.

[0044] The term "oil palm" as used herein refers to the species of the palm also known as "Elaeis guineensis", which is the primary source of "palm oil".

[0045] As used herein, the term "coconut tree" refers to a species of the palm family (Arecaceae), also known as Cocos nucifera, which is the primary source of "coconut oil".

[0046] The term "macauba palm" as used herein refers to a palm species. Representative species include those known as "Acrocomia aculeata" (also known as "macaiba", "boicaiuva", "macauva", "coco-de-catarro", "coco-baboso" and "coco-de-espinho"), "Acrocomia hassleri" and "Acrocomia totei". Macauba palms are tall trees that can grow up to about 15 meters. The macauba fruit contains pulp and kernel.

[0047] As used herein, the term "pulp" refers to the inner flesh of a fruit.

[0048] As used herein, the term "kernel" is interchangeable with "seed" or "almond."

[0049] The term "cleaning composition" as used herein includes home care formulations, industrial care formulations and institutional care formulations. Home care formulations are typically used by individual consumers, while industrial care formulations are typically used in industry, and institutional care formulations are typically used, for example, in clinics and nursing homes. However, it is also possible to use each formulation in a field different from that for which it is intended. Thus, institutional care formulations may be used by individual consumers or in industry, and vice versa. Typically, cleaning compositions are for example intended for laundry, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, food service and kitchen hygiene, food and beverage processing, commercial laundry, sanitation, institutional cleaning, industrial cleaning, and vehicle and transportation care.

[0050] The term "nutritional formulation" as used herein includes food and feed formulations. The nutritional formulation may be in any suitable form, e.g., liquid or solid form, and may be administered or ingested in any suitable manner, e.g., orally, parenterally, or rectally.

[0051] The term "pharmaceutical formulation" as used herein refers to any suitable pharmaceutical formulation that can be administered in any suitable manner, such as, for example, oral, transdermal, parenteral, nasal, vaginal or rectal application. Suitable solid pharmaceutical formulations may be in the form of tablets, suppositories or capsules or in the form of sprays. Suitable transdermal pharmaceutical formulations include formulations such as patches or sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, ointments, powders or gels. Liquid pharmaceutical formulations are preferably administered orally, parenterally or nasally.

[0052] As used herein, the term "liquid" also encompasses fluid, highly viscous, semi-solid states (eg, creams, gels, ointments).

[0053] As used herein, the term "crop formulation" includes pest control formulations, fungicide formulations and herbicidal formulations.

[0054] The term "oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year" as used herein relates to the oil obtained from the fruit, including the pulp and kernel of the plant, for example, via extraction. It represents the amount of oil produced per hectare. This value should be understood to refer to the oil yield obtained from a monoculture, where the plants are grown under standard conditions known to those skilled in the art, which vary depending on the respective plant. Thus, if the plants are not grown in a monoculture (e.g., cattle field), the respective value for this particular cultivation may be reduced. Typically, the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of oil palm is about 3.8 t / ha / yr, the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of rapeseed is about 0.8 t / ha / yr, the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of sunflower is about 0.7 t / ha / yr, and the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of soybean is about 0.6 t / ha / yr.

[0055] The term "monocultivation" as used herein refers to the cultivation of a plant, for example, a macauba palm, in one agricultural field at a time. Taking the macauba palm as an example, about 500 to about 600 palms can be planted per hectare. In this connection, it is preferable that the distance between the tresses is a minimum of about 3.5 to 4.5 meters. This value varies, for example, depending on the soil. The growth of the macauba plant is described below. In the first year, the growth is slower, since the main development occurs underground. Thus, the plant itself grows about 80 to 100 cm. From the second year onwards, when the plant reaches a height of about 100 to 150 cm, the growth rate increases and the development of the aboveground part of the plant progresses. The fully mature plant that gives the claimed oil yield per hectare / year is about 5 to 6 years old.

[0056] Macauba plants consume 50% less water than oil palm. Macauba plantations can be established in areas with a minimum of 1200mm of rainfall per year.

[0057] The term "agroforestry" as used herein refers to a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among other trees or shrubs or other plants such as crops or pastures. It should be understood that in agroforestry, there is not only one additional plant that can be present. Taking the macaubay palm as an example, for example, about 250 to about 360 or about 325 to about 350 trees per hectare can be planted. In this context, suitable crops that can be planted together with the macaubay palm are, for example, beans, cassava, corn, cereals, sunflowers, peanuts, rapeseed, soybeans, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] As used herein, the term "silvopastoral" refers to a land management system in which trees and, optionally, fodder are planted on areas where livestock graze. Taking the Macaubay palm as an example, for example, about 275 to about 450 or about 375 to about 400 trees can be planted per hectare.

[0059] Preferred embodiments relating to the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition or the process for producing the specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and blends thereof, as well as their uses and products containing them, are described below. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferred both alone and in combination with each other.

[0060] One advantage of the present invention is that the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof, and blends thereof, exhibit improved storage stability.

[0061] The fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends, in particular exhibit improved storage stability. Improved storage stability is achieved when the composition does not show any visible (e.g. turbidity, discoloration, phase separation, aggregation) or measurable (e.g. pH, viscosity, active substance content, color value) or perceptible (odor) changes over time. Preferably, improved storage stability is achieved when less coloring is observed when stored at high temperatures, such as 40°C or higher. Also preferably, in the case of aqueous compositions, improved storage stability is achieved when no turbidity or phase separation can be observed when stored at low temperatures, such as 15°C or lower. More preferably, improved storage stability is achieved when the composition solidifies and melts at low temperatures (<15°C) within a well-defined narrow temperature range. The solidification / melting temperature range of the composition can be measured by DSC measurement (differential scanning calorimetry). Most preferably, improved storage stability is achieved when the composition remains stable unchanged for as long as possible.

[0062] One advantage of the present invention is that the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof, personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop formulations exhibit improved viscosity and flow behavior and / or improved mildness and / or improved surface activity and cleaning ability and / or improved foaming ability and / or improved care performance.

[0063] What viscosity and flow behavior is considered to be advantageous depends on the intended use and application of the personal care composition. For aqueous personal care compositions such as shower gels and shampoos, cleaning compositions, nutritional, pharmaceutical or crop formulations of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof, it is desirable to have a high viscosity in the range of 5000 to 20000 mPas (measured using a Brookfield RV laboratory rheometer at 23° C., 10 rpm, with the spindle selected according to the viscosity range). As is known, “mPas” means millipascal seconds. Thus, the improved viscosity and flow behavior of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof of the present invention in aqueous personal care compositions such as shower gels or shampoos, cleaning compositions, nutritional, pharmaceutical or crop formulations is preferably achieved either by exhibiting a higher viscosity at the same concentration of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof (and also at the same concentrations of other ingredients) or by exhibiting the same viscosity at a lower concentration of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof (and / or also at a lower concentration of other ingredients). Preferably, the improved viscosity and flow behavior of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof, of aqueous personal care compositions such as shower gels and shampoos, cleaning compositions, nutritional, pharmaceutical or crop formulations is achieved when the viscosity is not or is less sensitive to the effect of temperature (e.g., there is no or less decrease in viscosity at elevated temperatures such as 40° C. or above).And also preferably, the improved viscosity and flow behavior of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof, of aqueous personal care compositions such as shower gels or shampoos, cleaning compositions, nutritional, pharmaceutical or crop formulations is achieved when the viscosity is not affected or is less sensitive to the addition of fragrance (e.g., there is no or less decrease in viscosity) and / or when the composition exhibits shear-thinning flow behavior, i.e., the viscosity decreases when the composition is subjected to shear stress (e.g., when moved, stirred, pumped, shaken) and / or when the composition has a high viscosity at rest (in a bottle / package, when collected in the palm of the hand) and a lower viscosity under shear stress (e.g., when dosed, squeezed out of a bottle, or spread / applied and rubbed between the hands and / or hair).

[0064] For aqueous personal care compositions such as pump foams, sprays, micellar waters or make-up removers, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop formulations of the fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends, a very low viscosity of less than 200 mPas is desirable. In that case, it is advantageous to either achieve a lower viscosity even with the same concentration of the fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends (and also with the same concentration of other ingredients) or to achieve the same viscosity even with a higher concentration of the fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends (and / or with a higher concentration of other ingredients).

[0065] In the case of the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends, in the case of personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop preparations, it is desirable to have good skin and mucous membrane (eye and oral cavity) compatibility and therefore low irritation, which is also referred to as low irritation. The personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations and pharmaceutical preparations of the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends have improved low irritation. Irritation can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, by subjects (for example, skin patch test by panelists, "tear-free" test), as well as by in vitro methods such as tests using RBC, HET-CAM or model tissues (Epi-Ocular / Epi-Oral).

[0066] In the case of the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends, in the case of personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop preparations of the present invention, it is also advantageous to have improved surface activity. Improved surface activity is characterized by exhibiting either a lower CMC (critical micelle concentration), lower surface tension or the ability to reduce surface tension faster than compositions comprising the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends obtained from other oil sources. The surface may be, for example, the interface between an aqueous composition and air, gas or oil. Thus, the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends, in the case of personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop preparations of the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends of the present invention, preferably has improved surface activity. Surface activity can be measured by CMC measurement using a tensiometer (DCAT, DataPhysics Instruments GmbH or equivalent), dynamic surface tension measurement using the bubble pressure method (SITA-Online T60, Sita Messtechnik GmbH or equivalent). These characteristics are also relevant for determining the cleanse, dispersing, emulsifying and solubilizing ability of the composition, in particular for removing dirt and oily substances from hair, skin, hard surfaces and fabrics.

[0067] Compositions comprising the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof, and blends thereof, as well as personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations, or crop formulations of the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof, and blends thereof, also exhibit the improved storage stability defined above.

[0068] The fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl ester, its sulfonate and their blends, personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop formulation desirably has good foaming properties. Particularly desirably, when the composition is used, for example, by rubbing between hands, skin and / or hair, the composition can produce a foam with a high initial foam volume; and / or is stable after foaming, thereby causing no or less volume loss compared to the initial foam volume, and / or no or less drainage (no or very little liquid pooling under the foam); and / or has fine bubbles and a narrow bubble size distribution; and / or has a high water content (volume of liquid in the foam / total foam volume); and / or has high foam elasticity; and / or has a foam sensory pleasantness, such as a soft and thick feel, creaminess, elasticity, moldability and overall consumer acceptance. Preferably, the foam obtained from the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions of the present invention, the specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof in personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional, pharmaceutical or crop formulations exhibits the above-mentioned characteristics even under harsh conditions such as in hard water (e.g., 15° dH), at low temperatures, acidic or alkaline conditions, high oil concentrations, high salt concentrations, and in the absence of anionic sulfate surfactants.

[0069] The foaming behavior of an aqueous composition (or a dry composition dissolved in water) can be investigated, for example, by agitating the solution for a short time (about 10-200 seconds) by stirring, shaking, pumping, bubbling in a gas stream or by other methods, and then monitoring the foam volume over time (up to 30 minutes) and taking pictures of the foam for image analysis. For this purpose, testing equipment such as Foam Expert (SITA Messtechnik GmbH) or Dynamic Foam Analyzer DFA 100 (Kruess) can be used. In addition, foams can be evaluated by rheological measurements in a viscometer.

[0070] Preferably, the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof obtained from macauba oil, personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop formulation leaves a more caring feeling on the hair and / or skin after use than the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, specific fatty acid methyl esters, sulfonates thereof and blends thereof obtained from other oil sources. This can be investigated, for example, by referring to the subjective skin feel (smoothness, dryness, etc.) by a test panel or the haptic and feel of the hair after treatment. Mechanical measurement methods such as hair combability or hair breakage can also be used.

[0071] Preferred embodiments of fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions obtained from macaubay oil, compositions comprising specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends, or fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, compositions comprising specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends, which can be obtained by a process comprising amidation and reacting with chloroacetic acid, as well as their use for producing fatty acid methyl ester compositions or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, specific fatty acid methyl esters, their sulfonates and their blends, their use as surfactants in personal care compositions and / or cleaning compositions, and these personal care compositions and cleaning compositions themselves are described below. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the present invention are preferred both alone and in combination with each other.

[0072] A particular advantage of the process of the invention is that it is more efficient and consumes less energy, therefore it is more sustainable and has a better carbon footprint. This is because macauba oil has a lower melting point than, for example, the commonly used palm kernel oil, which makes it less viscous at comparable temperatures and therefore allows it to be processed at lower temperatures and with less energy requirements. Another reason is that macauba oil is more sustainable than oils from other oil sources, such as coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, etc., because it requires less water for its growing conditions, less space, is more productive and more robust, so it can grow in less specialized conditions.

[0073] Another reason is that the melting point is lower, resulting in a lower free fatty acid content. Since free fatty acids are preferably used in the process of the present invention, they need to be removed before transesterification. Such removal can be done either by chemical refining, for example by washing with water after converting the free fatty acids into soap, or by physical refining, for example by contacting the free fatty acids with steam and then recovering them. Furthermore, the removed free fatty acids are re-esterified at least during production and added back to the feedstock. Thus, a lower free fatty acid content requires less energy and raw material demand, making the overall process more efficient and sustainable.

[0074] As indicated above, the present invention provides, in one embodiment, a process for producing a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, comprising: a) converting oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr into fatty acid methyl esters; b) optionally converting the fatty acid methyl ester to a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; The present invention relates to a process including the steps of:

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the macaubay palm is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, in particular Acrocomia aculeata.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from palm pulp and / or palm kernel.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the kernels of macauba, preferably the macauba is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, and the oil is more preferably extracted from the kernels of Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, in particular the macauba is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the kernels of Acrocomia aculeata.

[0078] In another preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the pulp of the macauba fruit, in particular the macauba fruit is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the pulp of Acrocomia aculeata.

[0079] In another preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the pulp and kernel of macauba, in particular the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the pulp and kernel of Acrocomia aculeata.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the macaubay palm is one that can grow well under tropical and subtropical conditions.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the macaubay palm can grow well in the region between 30 degrees north and 28 degrees south latitude, preferably between 25 degrees north and 25 degrees south latitude.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the macaubay palm grows well in a temperature range of 18-30° C., more preferably 20-28° C. In this context, it should be understood that this temperature range is the average temperature during the year. Thus, the macaubay palm is preferably less sensitive to temperature variations.

[0083] As used herein, the term "well grown" refers to the oil yields claimed that can be achieved with standard cultivation.

[0084] In addition, oil palm, in particular, requires tropical conditions, preferably with temperatures of about 24-28°C and monthly rainfall of at least 100mm / m 2 and humidity is around 50-70%. These factors limit the viability of profitable cultivation.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the process reduces water demand.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the process reduces biodiversity loss.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the process mitigates loss of habitat for local tribes.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the process reduces deforestation.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the process enhances restoration of impaired areas and / or watersheds and catchments.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the process improves soil water retention.

[0091] In this context, it should be understood that the reduction (mitigation) or improvement (improvement) outlined above is in comparison with plants, preferably oil palm, having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr is crude oil, i.e., has not been further processed after being extracted from the macaubay palm.

[0093] In another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr is filtered oil, i.e. the crude oil is first filtered by any filtering mechanism known in the art before being used in the process. A suitable filtering process is, for example, press filtering.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr is crude oil, i.e., it has not been further processed after extraction from the macaubay palm and has a free fatty acid content of 4% by weight or less.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the conversion in step a) is carried out under chemical or enzymatic conditions, preferably under chemical conditions.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises transesterification. Any suitable transesterification method can be carried out. Preferably, the transesterification is carried out in the presence of methanol to obtain glycerol and the respective ester. The reaction can further comprise the addition of a catalyst. Preferably, the alcohol is provided in excess.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the transesterification is preferably carried out under enzymatic conditions, preferably at a temperature of 32-40°C.

[0098] As a by-product of the transesterification, glycerol can be obtained, preferably after a purification step.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the process further comprises the step of separating the glycerol.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the process further comprises hydrogenation, whereby the double bonds of the fatty acid moieties are completely or partially removed. When the process comprises full hydrogenation, the fatty acid composition does not comprise unsaturated fatty acid moieties.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is a fatty acid methyl ester composition having a C4 to C6 content based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition. 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C6-C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C8-C 18 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C8-C 16 Fatty acid methyl ester or C 16 ~C 18 Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C 10 ~C 16 It contains at least 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) comprises: 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 1815 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) comprises: C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) comprises: C 10 0 to 5% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 140 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 10 to 35% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester, preferably 13 to 32% by weight, particularly 15 to 30% by weight, C 18 55 to 85% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, particularly 65 to 75% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from the pulp of Macauba.

[0105] In a more preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.1 to 10% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0106] In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.2 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by weight, of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is a fatty acid methyl ester composition having a C4 to C6 content based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition. 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C 10 ~C 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C 12 ~C 18 It contains at least 85% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) has a content of C, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 At least 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18 and at least 60% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) has a content of C, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 10 to 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18 and 60 to 90% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 35% by weight, in particular at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) has a content of C, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 10 At least 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 12 At least 25% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 14 At least 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and at least 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) contains 0 to 5 wt. % C8 fatty acid methyl ester and 0 to 5 wt. % C10 fatty acid methyl ester, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition. 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 12 25 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and 4 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition contains 0.2 to 4 wt % of C6 fatty acid methyl ester, 3 to 7 wt % of C8 fatty acid methyl ester, and 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C12 35 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 Fatty acid methyl ester 5 to 13% by weight and C 16 and 4 to 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 90% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl esters, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition contains at least 95% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, and further contains C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; 14 The fatty acid methyl ester is contained in an amount of 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of the macaubay palm is in the range of at least 7 t / ha / yr, preferably at least 8 t / ha / yr.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the oil yield of Macaubay palm in tonnes / hectare / year is in the range of 6-30 t / ha / yr, preferably in the range of 7-20 t / ha / yr, more preferably in the range of 8-15 t / ha / yr or in the range of 8-12 t / ha / yr or in the range of 8-11 t / ha / yr.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, step b) is performed and the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is selected from the group consisting of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates and alpha sulfonates.

[0119] Suitable linear alkylbenzene sulfonates have the general formula (I): CH3-(CH2) n -CHR1 -(CH2) m -CO-O-CH3(I) (In the formula, n is an integer of 0 to 21, m is an integer of 0 to 21, the sum of n and m is 3 to 21, and R 1 At least one R 2 phenyl or benzyl substituted with R 2 where M is Na, K or ammonium). In this regard, it should be understood that SO contains a negative charge and M contains a positive charge. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates can be obtained by any suitable method known in the art.

[0120] Suitable alkyl sulfonates have the general formula (II): CH3-(CH2)i-CHR 3 -(CH2)j-CO-O-CH3(II) (In the formula, i is an integer of 0 to 21, j is an integer of 0 to 21, the sum of i and j is 3 to 21, and R 3 At least one R 4 C1~C substituted with 10 -alkyl, R 4 where M is Na, K or ammonium. The linear alkylbenzene sulfonate may be obtained by any suitable method known in the art.

[0121] Suitable alpha sulfonates have the general formula (III): R-CHSO3H-CO-O-CH3(III) (In the formula, R is a saturated or unsaturated C3-C 23 -Alkyl, preferably C5-C 19 -alkyl). The alpha olefin sulfonates can be obtained by any suitable method known in the art.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is a beta olefin sulfonate, which has the general formula (IV): R-CHSO3H-CH2-CO-O-CH3(IV) (In the formula, R is a saturated or unsaturated C2-C 22 -Alkyl, preferably C4-C 18 -alkyl). The beta olefin sulfonate can be obtained by any suitable method known in the art.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr, preferably at least 7 t / ha / yr, more preferably at least 8 t / ha / yr, with oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably less than 5 t / ha / yr, more preferably less than 4.5 t / ha / yr. In a preferred embodiment, oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of 6-30 t / ha / yr, more preferably 7-20 t / ha / yr, even more preferably 8-15 t / ha / yr or 8-12 t / ha / yr or 8-11 t / ha / yr is blended with oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 0.1-6 t / ha / yr, preferably 0.3-5 t / ha / yr, more preferably 0.5-4.5 t / ha / yr. In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO). In another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0124] In yet another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from a macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil derived from macauba kernels extracted from macauba palms having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil derived from coconut oil (CNO) extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and coconut oil (CNO) extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises: ai) blending oil derived from the pulp of macauba extracted from a macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil derived from palm oil (PO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained by subsequent conversion of oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / ha / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr (preferably between 0.1 and less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably between 0.3 and 5 t / ha / yr, more preferably between 0.5 and 4.5 t / ha / yr) into the respective fatty acid methyl ester composition. In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / ha / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO). In another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / ha / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0132] In yet another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) from oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from a macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained from oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) from oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained from oil derived from coconut oil (CNO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) from oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained from oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and coconut oil (CNO) extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) from oil derived from the pulp of macauba extracted from a macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained from oil derived from palm oil (PO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment in which step b) is carried out, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained by subsequently converting oil extracted from plants with an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr into the respective fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. In this connection, it should be understood that the subsequent conversion preferably results in the same fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition as the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step d), but obtained from plants with an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr. Thus, when an alpha sulfonate composition is obtained in step b), the additional fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from oil extracted from plants with an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is also preferably an alpha sulfonate composition.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO). In another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0141] In yet another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil and / or rapeseed oil.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) from oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) from oil derived from macauba kernel, extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y, is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from oil derived from coconut oil (CNO), extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) from oil derived from macauba kernel extracted from macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from oil derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and coconut oil (CNO) extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) from oil derived from the pulp of macauba extracted from a macauba palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / y is blended with a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from oil derived from palm oil (PO) extracted from a plant having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr.

[0148] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions obtainable by the process outlined above.

[0149] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: C 10 0 to 5% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 1610 to 35% by weight, preferably 13 to 32% by weight, particularly preferably 15 to 30% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 55 to 85% by weight, preferably 60 to 85% by weight, particularly 65 to 75% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from the pulp of Macauba.

[0152] In a more preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.1 to 10% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0153] In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.2 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by weight, of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C 10 ~C 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C 12 ~C 18 It contains at least 85% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 At least 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18 and at least 65% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 10 to 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18and 40 to 90% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0157] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 35% by weight, in particular at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 10 At least 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 12 At least 25% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 14 At least 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and at least 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0159] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition contains 0 to 5 wt.% C8 fatty acid methyl ester and 0 to 5 wt.% C6 fatty acid methyl ester, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition. 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 12 25 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and 4 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition contains 0.2 to 4 wt % of C6 fatty acid methyl ester, 3 to 7 wt % of C8 fatty acid methyl ester, and 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 12 35 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 Fatty acid methyl ester 5 to 13% by weight and C 16 and 4 to 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0161] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 90% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl esters, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition contains at least 95% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, and further contains C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; 14 The fatty acid methyl ester is contained in an amount of 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0164] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: C 10 0 to 5% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 4% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 4% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 10 to 35% by weight, preferably 13 to 32% by weight, particularly preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 55 to 85% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, particularly 65 to 75% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from the pulp of the Macauba fruit.

[0166] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 0.1 to 10% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0167] In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 0.2 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by weight, of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 1236 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0168] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 22 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, preferably C 10 ~C 22 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, especially C 12 ~C 18 It contains at least 85% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates.

[0169] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 16 At least 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 18 and at least 65% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 16 10 to 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 18 and 60 to 90% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is present in an amount of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 35% by weight, especially at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0172] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 10 At least 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 At least 25% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 At least 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and at least 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 0 to 5 wt.% C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and 0 to 5 wt.% C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 25 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and 4 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition contains 0.2 to 4 wt % of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, 3 to 7 wt % of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, and 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 35 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 5 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and 4 to 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises at least 90% by weight of a C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0176] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises at least 95% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, and further comprises at least one fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate component, each of which is at least 95% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is contained in an amount of 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, and alpha sulfonates.

[0178] Suitable linear alkylbenzene sulfonates have the general formula (I): CH3-(CH2)n-CHR 1 -(CH2)m-CO-O-CH3(I) (In the formula, n is an integer of 0 to 21, m is an integer of 0 to 21, the sum of n and m is 3 to 21, and R 1 At least one R 2 phenyl or benzyl substituted with R 2 is SO3M, where M is Na, K or ammonium. In this regard, it should be understood that SO3 contains a negative charge and M contains a positive charge.

[0179] Suitable alkyl sulfonates have the general formula (II): CH3-(CH2)i-CHR 3 -(CH2)j-CO-O-CH3(II) (In the formula, i is an integer of 0 to 21, j is an integer of 0 to 21, the sum of i and j is 3 to 21, and R 3 At least one R 4 C1~C substituted with 10 -alkyl, R 4 is SO3M, where M is Na, K or ammonium.

[0180] Suitable alpha sulfonates have the general formula (III): R-CHSO3H-CO-O-CH3(III) (In the formula, R is a saturated or unsaturated C3-C 23 -Alkyl, preferably C5-C 19 -alkyl).

[0181] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is a beta olefin sulfonate, which has the general formula (IV): R-CHSO3H-CH2-CO-O-CH3(IV) (In the formula, R is a saturated or unsaturated C2-C 22 -Alkyl, preferably C4-C 18 -alkyl).

[0182] As indicated above, the present invention relates to a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from the fruit of the macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr, wherein the oil obtained from the macaubay palm is converted into fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

[0183] Preferred embodiments (e.g., those relating to the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition and macaubayashi) have already been outlined above in the process for producing the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition and in further details relating to the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, but these also apply to the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. Particularly preferred embodiments are described below.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment, the macauba palm is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, in particular Acrocomia aculeata, and / or the oil is obtained by extraction from its fruit, preferably the oil is obtained by extraction from the pulp and / or the kernel of this palm, more preferably the oil is extracted from the kernel of macauba, even more preferably the macauba palm is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, and the oil is more preferably Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, The oil is extracted from the kernels of Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei and / or Acrocomia aculeata, in particular Macaubay palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the kernels of Acrocomia aculeata.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0186] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably obtained from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0187] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: C 10 0 to 5% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly 1 to 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 1610 to 35% by weight, preferably 13 to 32% by weight, particularly preferably 15 to 30% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 55 to 85% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, particularly 65 to 75% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly 0 to 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from the pulp of Macauba.

[0188] In a more preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.1 to 10% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0189] In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises: 0.2 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by weight, of C6 fatty acid methyl ester; C8 fatty acid methyl ester 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0190] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C 10 ~C 22 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C 12 ~C 18 It contains at least 85% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0191] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 At least 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18 and at least 65% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 16 10 to 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 18and 60 to 90% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0193] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 35% by weight, in particular at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0194] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, 10 At least 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 12 At least 25% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C 14 At least 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and at least 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition contains 0 to 5 wt.% C8 fatty acid methyl ester and 0 to 5 wt.% C6 fatty acid methyl ester, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition. 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 12 25 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 16 and 4 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0196] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition contains 0.2 to 4 wt % of C6 fatty acid methyl ester, 3 to 7 wt % of C8 fatty acid methyl ester, and 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 12 35 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester and C 14 Fatty acid methyl ester 5 to 13% by weight and C 16 and 4 to 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester.

[0197] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises at least 90% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl esters, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

[0198] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester composition contains at least 95% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, and further contains C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester; 14 The fatty acid methyl ester is contained in an amount of 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight.

[0199] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from macauba kernels.

[0201] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: C 10 0 to 5% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 4% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 0 to 6% by weight, preferably 0 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 4% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 10 to 35% by weight, preferably 13 to 32% by weight, particularly preferably 15 to 30% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 55 to 85% by weight, preferably 60 to 80% by weight, particularly 65 to 75% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, particularly preferably 0 to 2% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, which is preferably derived from oil extracted from the pulp of the Macauba fruit.

[0202] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 0.1 to 10% by weight of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 1 to 20% by weight of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 12 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0203] In a further preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises: 0.2 to 4% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 1.5% by weight, of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 3 to 7% by weight, preferably 4 to 6% by weight, of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 10 2 to 6% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 1236 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 14 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 16 5 to 11% by weight, preferably 6 to 9% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 18 25 to 40% by weight, preferably 30 to 38% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; C 20 0 to 4% by weight, preferably 0 to 3% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; Including, Each is based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0204] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 22 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, preferably C 10 ~C 22 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, more preferably C 12 ~C 20 Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates, especially C 12 ~C 18 It contains at least 85% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates.

[0205] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 16 At least 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 18 and at least 65% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 16 10 to 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 18 and 60 to 90% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is present in an amount of at least 30% by weight, preferably at least 35% by weight, especially at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, 10 At least 2% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 At least 25% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 At least 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and at least 4% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 0 to 5 wt.% C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and 0 to 5 wt.% C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 25 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 5 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and 4 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0210] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition contains 0.2 to 4 wt % of C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, 3 to 7 wt % of C8 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, and 10 2 to 6% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 12 35 to 45% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 14 5 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate and C 16 and 4 to 10% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate.

[0211] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises at least 90% by weight of a C6 fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises 12~14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition comprises at least 95% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, and further comprises at least one fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate component, each of which is at least 95% by weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition. 12 36 to 46% by weight, preferably 38 to 42% by weight, of fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate; 14 The fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is contained in an amount of 6 to 13% by weight, preferably 8 to 11% by weight.

[0213] As indicated above, the present invention relates to the use of oil extracted from the fruits of the macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr for the production of fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

[0214] Preferred embodiments (e.g., relating to the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions and to macaubayashi) have already been outlined in the process for producing the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, and in further details relating to the fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate compositions, but these apply equally to their uses.

[0215] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to the use of the fatty acid methyl ester composition as outlined above or the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition as outlined above in personal care compositions, cleaning compositions, nutritional formulations, pharmaceutical formulations or crop formulations.Preferably, the fatty acid methyl ester composition as outlined above or the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition as outlined above is used as a surfactant.Further compounds derived from the fatty acid methyl ester composition as outlined above can also be used as surfactants, for example soaps, ethoxylates, glucamides or glucoside esters.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are preferably used in a personal care composition selected from the group consisting of face care compositions, hair care compositions, body care compositions, oral care compositions or antiperspirants and deodorants.

[0217] Suitable cosmetic preparations containing active ingredients are, for example, hormone preparations, vitamin preparations, vegetable extract preparations and antibacterial preparations.

[0218] According to the present invention, the personal care composition may contain one or more active agents, such as organic and inorganic UV filters and vitamins, as well as other ingredients or additives, such as pigments, emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity modifiers, stabilizers, preservatives, or fragrances.

[0219] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are used in sunscreens.

[0220] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are preferably used in decorative formulations selected from the group consisting of lipsticks, nail varnishes, eye shadows, mascaras, dry or wet make-ups, blushers, powders, hair removers and suntan lotions.

[0221] The personal care compositions mentioned herein are preferably in the form of a cream, ointment, paste, foam, gel, lotion, powder, make-up, spray, stick or aerosol.

[0222] Preferably, surfactants are used to provide metal ion control, improved dispersion, improved emulsification, foam control, surface modification and / or protection of the active agent.

[0223] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are preferably used in cleaning compositions selected from the group consisting of home care formulations, industrial care formulations and institutional care formulations.

[0224] In preferred embodiments, the cleaning composition is selected from the group consisting of laundry compositions (personal and commercial), dishwashing compositions, hard surface cleaning compositions, food service and kitchen hygiene compositions, food and beverage processing compositions, sanitation compositions, institutional cleaning compositions, industrial cleaning compositions, and vehicle and transportation care compositions.

[0225] The cleaning composition may contain at least one bleaching system known in the art in an amount of 0-50% by weight. Suitable bleaching components include bleach catalysts, photobleaches, bleach activators, hydrogen peroxide sources such as sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate, preformed peracids and mixtures thereof.

[0226] The cleaning composition may further comprise soil suspending agents, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose; pH adjusting agents, such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal silicates; microbicides; foam stabilizers, such as soaps; salts for adjusting spray drying and granulation properties, such as sodium sulfate; fragrances; antistatic agents; finishing agents; further bleaching agents; pigments; and / or toning agents.

[0227] Preferably, surfactants are used for metal ion control, improved dispersion, improved emulsification, foam control, surface modification and / or protection of ingredients.

[0228] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are used in nutritional formulations, preferably from the group selected from food and feed formulations. The nutritional formulations can be in any suitable form, for example liquid or solid form, and can be administered or ingested in any suitable manner, for example orally, parenterally or rectally.

[0229] When preparing a nutritional formulation or a premix or precursor, the process may include mixing a stabilized solid and / or liquid formulation that includes at least one or more food substances and an additional ingredient such as at least one stabilizer.

[0230] Suitable stabilizers can be selected from the group consisting of gum arabic, at least one vegetable protein, and mixtures thereof. It is understood that the stabilizer can be selected from only one agent, such as gum arabic, or can be composed of a mixture, such as a mixture of one vegetable protein and gum arabic, or a mixture of two or three or more different vegetable proteins. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is gum arabic. In another embodiment, the stabilizer is at least one vegetable protein.

[0231] Preferably, surfactants are used for metal ion control, improved dispersion, improved emulsification, foam control, surface modification and / or protection of ingredients.

[0232] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants outlined above are used in the pharmaceutical formulation.The pharmaceutical formulation can be administered in any suitable manner, such as orally, transdermally, parenterally, nasally, vaginally or rectally.Suitable solid pharmaceutical formulations may be in the form of tablets, suppositories or capsules or in the form of sprays.Suitable transdermal pharmaceutical formulations include in the form of patches or sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, ointments, powders or gels.Suitable liquid pharmaceutical formulations are preferably administered orally, parenterally or nasally.

[0233] The pharmaceutical formulations are preferably in solid, semi-solid or liquid form, preferably in the form of a tablet, suppository, capsule, patch, spray, lotion, cream, oil, foam, ointment, powder or gel or fluid.

[0234] The pharmaceutical formulation comprises at least one active agent selected from the group consisting of, for example, anti-cancer agents, hormones, anti-viral agents, anti-fungal agents, anti-bacterial agents and inhibitors.

[0235] Preferably, surfactants are used for metal ion control, improved dispersion, improved emulsification, foam control, surface modification and / or protection of the active agent.

[0236] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactants as outlined above are used in crop formulations, preferably selected from the group consisting of pesticide formulations, fungicide formulations and herbicidal formulations.

[0237] The crop formulation is preferably in solid, semi-solid or liquid form. Preferably, the crop formulation is suitable for ready-to-use spraying.

[0238] In a preferred embodiment, the pest control formulation comprises a pest control agent selected from the group consisting of chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, imazalil, DDT, toxaphene, lindane, methoxychlor, dieldrin, kelthane, chlordane, perthane, endrin, aldrin and heptachlor.

[0239] In a preferred embodiment, the antifungal formulation comprises an antifungal agent selected from the group consisting of azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, trifloxystrobin, picoxystrobin, epoxiconazole, prothioconazole, myclobutanil, tebuconazole, propiconazole, cyproconazole, fenbuconazole, boscalid, penthiopyrad, bixafen, isopyrazam, sedaxane, fluopyram and thifluzamide.

[0240] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicide formulation comprises a herbicide selected from the group consisting of glyphosate, glufosinate, imidazolinones (e.g., imazamethabenzmethyl, imazamox, imazapic (e.g., Kifix), imazapyr, imazaquin, and imazethapyr), and cyclohexanediones (e.g., tepraloxydim and clethodim).

[0241] Suitable herbicidal formulations are herbicidal agents which are effective against unwanted harmful plants, in particular Acalypha species, such as Acalypha indica, Dinebra species, such as Dinebra arabica, Cynotis species, such as Cynotis axillaris, Parthenium species, such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Physalis species, such as Physalis minima, Digera species, such as Digera arvensis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Apera spicabe. spicaventi, Brachiaria spp., for example Brachiaria deflexa or Brachiaria plantaginea, Echinochloa spp., for example Echinochloa colonum, Leptochloa spp., for example Leptochloa fusca, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Saccharum spontaneum, Cynodon dactylon, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia geniculata, Commelina benghalensis, Commelina communis, certain undesirable Oryza species such as weedy rice or Oryza sativa, Phalaris species such as Phalaris canariensis, Celosia argentea, Xanthiumstrumarium, Papaver rhoeas, Geranium spp., Brassica spp., Avena fatua, Bromus spp., Lolium spp., Phalaris spp., Setaria spp., Digitaria spp., brachiaria spp., Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium spp., Abutilon theophrasti, Galium spp. aparine, Veronica spp. or Solanum spp., and / or show improved compatibility with crop plants such as soybean, pea, common bean, lentil, mung bean, black gram, cluster bean, fenugreek, palm, other pulse or legume crops or crops that are resistant to the action of acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibitor herbicides, such as Clearfield® wheat, Clearfield® barley, Clearfield® corn, Clearfield® lentil, Clearfield® rapeseed or canola, Clearfield® rice, Cultivance® soybean and / or Clearfield® sunflower. The formulation should also have good pre-emergence herbicidal activity.

[0242] Preferably, surfactants are used for metal ion control, improved dispersion, improved emulsification, foam control, surface modification and / or crop protection.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop preparation comprises at least two surfactants. In this regard, it should be understood that the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop preparation can comprise at least two of the surfactants outlined above, at least three of the surfactants outlined above, or a combination of at least one of the surfactants outlined above and at least one additional different surfactant. This at least one additional different surfactant can be a fatty alcohol surfactant or a fatty acid surfactant, such as a sulfonate, an amide, an isethionate, a taurate, a glycolipid, an amino acid, an esterquat, a sophorolipid, a rhamnolipid, an amphoacetate, a betaine, an amide alkanolamide, and an alkoxylated fatty acid ester.

[0244] Possible mixtures with one of the surfactants outlined above are listed below. With the exception of numbers 18 and 20, these surfactants are likewise preferably derived from Macauba oil.

[0245] [Table 1]

[0246] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutritional formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation or a crop formulation comprising the fatty acid methyl ester composition as outlined above or the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition as outlined above. It should be understood that the further specifications regarding the use of the fatty acid methyl ester composition as outlined above or the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition as outlined above in the respective personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop formulation also apply with respect to the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutritional formulation, pharmaceutical formulation or crop formulation. EXAMPLES

[0247] The present invention is further illustrated by the following prophetic examples.

[0248] The following example considers Macaubay palm (eg, registration number AEB402A) which has an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of about 9.0 t / ha / yr.

[0249] Measurement method a) Free fatty acid content The determination of the free fatty acid content in the oil was carried out according to DIN EN ISO 660, the acid number was determined using the method ISO 4314 and the saponification number was determined using the methods DIN EN ISO 3657 / DIN EN ISO 3681.

[0250] b) Low temperature stability comparison test The samples (32 grams each) are filled into glass vials (diameter 2.5 cm, height 8.5 cm). These are first kept overnight in an oven at a temperature that ensures that the samples are completely dissolved and transparent (here 45° C.). The next day, the vials are immersed in a tempered water bath (23° C.) with the sample level below the water surface. The temperature of the water batch is gradually decreased (-2 K / h to 17° C., then -1 K / h to 15° C.), at the end of which the appearance of the cooled samples is observed. The samples are then removed from the water bath and kept at room temperature (RT=23° C.) for a further 16 hours. The appearance is observed again.

[0251] c) Thickening behavior Place 200 g of sample in a beaker and add sodium chloride to the sample. The sample is then mixed until the salt is dissolved. The sample is kept at room temperature (23°C) until all air bubbles entrapped during mixing have disappeared. Measure the viscosity using a Brookfield RV laboratory rheometer at 12 rpm and spindle set RV02-07 (spindle selection follows the viscosity range). Also visually inspect the appearance of the sample. Calculate the wt% NaCl as the weight of NaCl added per 200 g.

[0252] d) Foaming behavior A solution of the surfactant sample is prepared at a concentration of 1 g active substance / liter (total 1 L) and a pH of 5.5 (adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide solution). The sample solution is prepared in DI water (0° dH) and tempered to 15° C. The foam measurement is carried out with a Foam Expert device (SITA Messtechnik GmbH). 250 ml of the solution are placed in the stirring vessel and stirred at 1300 rpm for 10 seconds, after which the total volume and the liquid volume are measured (hence foam volume = total volume - liquid volume). This stirring and volume measurement is carried out 18 times. The sample is then rinsed out, the stirring vessel is cleaned with DI water and the same measurement (250 ml, 18 times x 10 seconds) is repeated two more times. The results for foam volume and liquid volume over the entire stirring time are calculated as the average value of three repetitions. Usually the foam volume increases asymptotically. The following characteristic data can be obtained: Maximum foam volume [ml] Time to maximum foam volume [s] = Mixing time to reach maximum foam volume Half-time to foam formation [s] = Mixing time to reach half of the maximum foam volume

[0253] e) Methods for extracting oil from fruits The oil is extracted by cryogenic grinding in a dry process in which the fruit is dried, the pulp is harvested and the pulp / kernel is then crushed after these steps.

[0254] Example of the present invention (IE1) Macauba palms are planted on cattle pastures, for example at about 380 trees per hectare. They are grown on existing farms (silvo-pastoral), so no deforestation is required and farmers can sell the macauba fruit in addition to raising cattle and / or producing milk. 312 macauba palms were planted per hectare. Each palm produces 61-90 kg of fruit per hectare per year (depending on the maturity of the palm and the growing conditions). Harvesting is done only once a year, during the rainy season (October-January). Approximately 3% of the fruit is converted into kernel oil and 8% into pulp oil.

[0255] Example of the present invention (IE2) Macaubay palm is planted in soybean plantations (height approx. 20-80 cm, oil yield in tonnes / ha / year approx. 0.6 t / ha / yr), for example at about 340 plants per hectare. Again, no deforestation is necessary, since the macaubay palm is cultivated in existing plantations (agroforestry). As the macaubay palm grows to a height of about 15 meters, it is possible to cultivate soybeans in parallel. In this context, it is also possible to cultivate at least one additional plant, such as sunflower (oil yield in tonnes / ha / year approx. 0.7 t / ha / yr) or kidney bean (height approx. 1-7 m).

[0256] As can be seen from the above examples, the cultivation of macaubay palm can significantly reduce deforestation. Furthermore, it can also increase biodiversity. In addition, even without the monoculture of macaubay palm, it is possible to obtain a total oil yield comparable to that of the monoculture of oil palm (oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of about 3.8 t / ha / yr) due to the higher oil yield of macaubay palm as outlined above. Without being bound by theory, the use of plants with improved oil yields allows for easier restoration of damaged areas as well as water sources and catchments. Furthermore, the water retention of the soil is improved.

Claims

1. 1. A process for producing a fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, comprising: a) converting oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr into fatty acid methyl esters; b) optionally converting the fatty acid methyl esters to fatty acid methyl ester sulfonates; The process includes:

2. The macaubay palm is Acrocomia aculeata; and / or 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the oil is extracted from the palm pulp and / or the palm kernel, preferably the oil is extracted from the kernel of macauba, in particular the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the kernel of Acrocomia aculeata.

3. 3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion in step a) is carried out under chemical or enzymatic conditions, preferably under chemical conditions, and / or step a) comprises transesterification.

4. The fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) has, based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition, ４ ~C ２２ Fatty acid methyl esters, preferably C ６ ~C ２０ Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C ８ ~C １８ Fatty acid methyl esters, more preferably C ８ ~C １６ Fatty acid methyl ester or C １６ ~C １８ Fatty acid methyl esters, especially C １０ ~C １６ Contains at least 40% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters; and / or C ８ 1 to 20% by weight of fatty acid methyl ester, C １０ 1 to 8% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C １２ 30 to 48% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C １４ 5 to 15% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C １６ 4 to 13% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, C １８ 15 to 42% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters and C ２０ 0 to 5% by weight of fatty acid methyl esters, Including, The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, each based on the total weight of the fatty acid methyl ester composition.

5. 5. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of the macaubay palm is in the range of 6 to 30 t / ha / yr, preferably 7 to 20 t / ha / yr, more preferably 8 to 15 t / ha / yr.

6. 6. The process of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein step b) is performed and the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate is selected from the group consisting of linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates and alpha sulfonates.

7. Step a) comprises: a. i) blending said oil extracted from macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr with oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr, preferably said oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO); and / or 7. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained in step a) is blended with the fatty acid methyl ester composition obtained by converting oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr into the respective fatty acid methyl ester composition, preferably the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

8. 8. The process according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein step b) is carried out and the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained in step b) is blended with the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained by converting oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr into the respective fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition, preferably the oil extracted from plants having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of less than 6 t / ha / yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO) and / or palm kernel oil (PKO).

9. A fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 1. A fatty acid methyl ester composition or a fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition obtained from the fruit of Macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr, wherein the oil obtained from Macaubay palm is converted to the fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

11. 11. The fatty acid methyl ester or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition of claim 10, wherein the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and / or the oil is obtained by extraction from the fruit, preferably the oil is extracted from the palm pulp and / or the palm kernel, more preferably the oil is extracted from the macauba kernel, in particular the macauba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from the kernel of Acrocomia aculeata.

12. 1. Use of oil extracted from the fruit of Macaubay palm having an oil yield in tonnes / hectare / year of at least 6 t / ha / yr for the production of fatty acid methyl esters or sulfonates thereof.

13. Use of the fatty acid methyl ester composition or fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11 in a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutritional formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation or a crop formulation.

14. A personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutritional formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation or a crop formulation comprising the fatty acid methyl ester composition or the fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

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