Fatty Acids

Abstract

Natural oils may be split by hydrolysis to obtain fatty acids or by sapon i f i.ca t ion to obtain soaps. Organic fatty acids, their salts and esters playa key role in emulsion polymerization. Sodium and lithium salts are used extensively in the manufacture of lubricating greases. Other salts are important additives in rubber and plastics processing and finishing. Fatty acids are also important raw materials in the production of higher alcohols and synthetic surfactants.