Introduction

n-Triacontanol has been recognised as prominent chemical for plant growth promotion. Its efficiency is proved for high yield in the case of number of field crops like barely, rice, tomatoes, maize, lettuce, cucumber, potatoes, cauliflower, brinjal, chillies, etc In this modified process, different solvent is used for the extraction of sugarcane press mud.

Process

The trans-esterification step is replaced by simple saponification using methanolic alkali. This obviates the use of sodium methoxide catalyst. The saponified wax is simply stripped of all solvent to get the soap which is directly taken for solvent extraction which yields only neutral lipids containing higher fatty alcohol's and phytosterols. Fraction crystallisation of n-triacontanol from this neutral lipid fraction is much easier.

For details contact, e-mail : ttbd@cftri.com                                               Top