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.