oleochemische

Oleochemistry, or oleochemical chemistry, is the branch of chemistry that uses fats and oils derived from vegetable and animal sources as feedstocks to manufacture chemicals and materials. The adjective oleochemical (oleochemische in German) denotes processes, products, and industries based on lipids. The field encompasses the transformation of triglycerides into fatty acids, glycerol, and a wide range of derivatives used in detergents, plastics, cosmetics, lubricants, and biofuels.

Feedstocks and common transformations: The typical feedstocks are vegetable oils such as palm, soybean, rapeseed, and coconut, as well as animal fats. Key reactions include hydrolysis (to separate glycerol from fatty acids), transesterification (to produce biodiesel and fatty esters), esterification, hydrogenation, oxidation, and selective chain length modification. Catalysts include acids, bases, and biocatalysts (lipases).

Major products and applications: Soap, detergents, and surfactants; fatty acids and glycerol; fatty alcohols; biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters); lubricants and greases; plasticizers and lubricants for polymers; cosmetics ingredients; and precursors for biobased polymers and coatings.

Industry and sustainability: Oleochemistry offers renewable alternatives to petrochemicals, but relies on agricultural feedstocks whose production raises land-use and sustainability concerns. Certification schemes (e.g., RSPO for palm oil) and life-cycle assessment are part of industry practice. Regulatory frameworks such as REACH in the European Union govern the safety and environmental impact of oleochemical substances.