MACAÚBA OIL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF OLEOCHEMICALS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a fatty alcohol composition comprising the step of converting oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr into the fatty alcohol composition. Further, the present invention relates to fatty alcohol composition obtained from the fruits of a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr and the use thereof in suitable applications.

Claims

1. A process of manufacturing a fatty alcohol composition, the process comprising the step of a) converting oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr into the fatty alcohol composition.

2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and/or wherein the oil is extracted from the palm pulp and/or the palm kernel.

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein in step a) the conversion is conducted under chemical or enzymatic conditions.

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein step a) involves i) a hydrogenation or ii) a hydrolysis.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols.

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the Macaba palm has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year in the range of 6 to 30 t/ha/yr.

7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the process further comprises b) conversion of the fatty alcohols into derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ethersulfates, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amides, fatty alcohol glycosides, fatty alkyl polyglucoside, fatty ethers, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

8. A fatty alcohol composition obtained by a process according to claim 1.

9. A fatty alcohol composition obtained from the fruits of a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, wherein the oil obtained from the Macaba palm is converted into the fatty alcohol composition.

10. The fatty alcohol composition according to claim 9, wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and/or wherein the oil is obtained by extraction of the fruits.

11. The fatty alcohol composition according to claim 8, comprising at least 45 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols.

12. (canceled)

13. A process of manufacturing a surfactant comprising the steps of A) separating fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, from the fatty alcohol composition according to claim 8, B) optionally blending at least two of the separated fatty alcohols, C) subsequently converting at least one of the separated fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol into the respective fatty alcohol derivative selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfate, fatty alcohol ethersulfate, fatty ester, fatty amine, fatty alcohol glycoside, fatty alkyl polyglucoside, fatty ether, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

14. The process according to claim 13, wherein the fatty alcohol composition applied in step A) is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr or wherein the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives.

15. A surfactant obtained by the process according to claim 13.

16. A process of manufacturing a C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, comprising separating the C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.22 fatty alcohol from the fatty alcohol composition according to claim 8 and optionally blending at least two of the separated fatty alcohols.

17. (canceled)

18. A personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutrition formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a crop formulation comprising a surfactant according to claim 15.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present invention, definitions which are important for understanding the present invention are given.

[0036] As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms of a and an also include the respective plurals unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the context of the present invention, the terms about and approximately denote an interval of accuracy that a person skilled in the art will understand to still ensure the technical effect of the feature in question. The term typically indicates a deviation from the indicated numerical value of 10%, preferably 8%, more preferably 5%, even more preferably 2%. It is to be understood that the term comprising and encompassing is not limiting. For the purposes of the present invention the term consisting of is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term comprising of. If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is meant to also encompass a group which preferably consists of these embodiments only. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third or (a), (b), (c), (d) etc. and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing 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 are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. In case the terms first, second, third or (a), (b), (c), (d), i, ii etc. relate to steps of a method or use or assay there is no time or time interval coherence between the steps, i.e. the steps may be carried out simultaneously or there may be time intervals of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or even years between such steps, unless otherwise indicated in the application as set forth herein above or below. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, reagents etc. described herein as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention that will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] As used herein the term does not comprise, does not contain, or free of means in the context that the composition of the present invention is free of a specific compound or group of compounds, which may be combined under a collective term, that the composition does not comprise said compound or group of compounds in an amount of more than 0.8% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. Furthermore, it is preferred that the composition according to the present invention does not comprise said compounds or group of compounds in an amount of more than 0.5% by weight, preferably the composition does not comprise said compounds or group of compounds at all.

[0038] When referring to compositions and the weight percent of the therein comprised ingredients it is to be understood that according to the present invention the overall amount of ingredients does not exceed 100% (+1% due to rounding).

[0039] The term personal care composition refers to any topical and oral product that can be used at least once daily by the consumer as an everyday care product for caring, cleaning, protecting, maintaining, perfuming or changing the appearance or feel of the human body, e.g. for face, hair, body, or oral care. The personal care composition may comprise one or more active agents, e.g., organic and/or inorganic UV filters, as well as other ingredients or additives, e.g., emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity regulators, stabilizers, preservatives, or fragrances. Suitable daily care composition are according to the present invention, e.g. leave-on face and body care products and rinse-off face and body care products.

[0040] Suitable leave-on face and body care products are, e.g. sunscreen compositions, decorative preparations, and skin care preparations.

[0041] The term sunscreen composition or sunscreen refers to any topical product, which absorbs and which may further reflect and scatter certain parts of UV radiation. Thus, the term sunscreen composition is to be understood as not only including sunscreen compositions, but also any cosmetic compositions that provide UV protection. The term topical product refers to a product that is applied to the skin and can refer, e.g., to sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, powders, or gels. According to the present invention the sunscreen composition may comprise one or more active agents, e.g., organic and inorganic UV filters, as well as other ingredients or additives, e.g., emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity regulators, stabilizers, preservatives, or fragrances.

[0042] Suitable decorative preparations are, e.g., lipsticks, nail varnishes, eye shadows, mascaras, dry and moist make-up, rouge, powders, depilatory agents and suntan lotions.

[0043] Suitable skin care preparations are e.g., moisturizing, refining, and lifting preparations. The cited daily care compositions can be in the form of creams, ointments, pastes, foams, gels, lotions, powders, make-ups, sprays, sticks or aerosols.

[0044] The term UV filter or ultraviolet filter as used herein refers to organic or inorganic compounds, which can absorb and may further reflect and scatter UV radiation caused by sunlight. UV-filter can be classified based on their UV protection curve as UV-A, UV-B, or broadband filters.

[0045] In general, 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 referred to as broad-spectrum or broad protection) is based on the critical wavelength. For broadband coverage, UV-B and UV-A protection must be provided. According to the US requirements, a critical wavelength of at least 370 nm is required for achieving broad spectrum protection. The term critical wavelength is defined as the wavelength at which the area under the UV protection curve (% protection versus wavelength) represents 90% of the total area under the curve in the UV region (290-400 nm). For example, a critical wavelength of 370 nm indicates that the protection of the sunscreen composition is not limited to the wavelengths of UV-B, i.e. wavelengths from 290-320 nm, but extends to 370 nm in such a way that 90% of the total area under the protective curve in the UV region are reached at 370 nm.

[0046] Suitable rinse-off face and body care products are, e.g. shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body scrub, face scrub, and hand soap. In particular rinse-off products are hair shampoos, shower gels, soaps, syndet bars, washing pastes, washing lotions, scrub preparations, facial cleansers, intimate hygiene washes, foam baths, oil baths, shower baths, shaving foams, shaving lotions, shaving creams, foaming powders/tabs and dental care products (for example toothpastes, mouthwashes and the like). Also baby care products like baby shampoo and baths are suitable rinse-off products.

[0047] The term emollient relates to cosmetic specific oils used for protecting, moisturizing and lubricating the skin. The word emollient is derived from the Latin word mollire, to soften. In general, emollients prevent evaporation of water from the skin by forming an occlusive coating. They can be divided into different groups depending on their polarity index.

[0048] The term polarity index refers to non-polar or polar oils. Non-polar oils are mainly based on hydrocarbons and lack an electronegative element, such as oxygen. In contrast, polar oils contain heteroatoms that differ in electronegativity, which results in a dipole moment. However, such oils are still insoluble in water, i.e. hydrophobic. The polarity index can be determined by measuring the interfacial tension between the respective oil and water.

[0049] The term administration refers to the application of a sunscreen or daily care composition to the skin of a person.

[0050] The term fatty alcohol as used herein is directed to linear or branched, preferably linear, primary alcohols. Fatty alcohols may comprise from 4 to 26 carbon atoms. According to the present invention, the term fatty alcohol encompasses saturated and unsaturated alcohol. The double bond of an unsaturated fatty alcohol can give either cis or trans isomers. According to the present invention, the term fatty alcohol encompasses saturated and unsaturated alcohols. 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 should be named in this connection.

[0051] The term fatty acid as used herein is directed to linear or branched, preferably linear, primary carboxylic acids. Fatty acids may comprise from 4 to 26 carbon atoms. According to the present invention, the term fatty acid encompasses saturated and unsaturated acids. The double bond of an unsaturated fatty acid can give either cis or trans isomers. 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, -Linolenic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, erucic acid, behenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, lignoceric acid, and cerotic acid should be named in this connection.

[0052] The term fatty acid-based surfactant as used herein denotes a surfactant that originates from a reaction of the primary carboxylic group of a fatty acid.

[0053] The prefix C.sub.n-C.sub.m indicates in each case the possible number of carbon atoms in the group.

[0054] The term alkyl as used herein denotes in each case a linear or branched alkyl group having usually from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 26 or of 1 to 6 or of 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of an alkyl group are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, 2-butyl, iso-butyl, 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.

[0055] The term alkoxy as used herein denotes in each case a linear or branched alkyl group which is bonded via an oxygen atom and has usually from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 2 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 carbon atom. Examples of an alkoxy group are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butyloxy, 2-butyloxy, iso-butyloxy, tert.-butyloxy, and the like.

[0056] As used herein, the term alkylene refers to a linking linear or branched alkylene group having usually from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4 carbon atoms. The alkylene group bridges a certain group to the remainder of the molecule. Preferred alkylene groups include methylene (CH.sub.2), ethylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2), propylene (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2) and the like. A skilled person understands that, if it is referred, e.g., to CH.sub.2 that the carbon atom being tetravalent has two valences left for forming a bridge (CH.sub.2). Similarly, when it is referred, e.g., to CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, each carbon atom has one valence left for forming a bridge (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2). Furthermore, when it is referred, e.g., to CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2, each terminal carbon atom has one valence left for forming a bridge (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2).

[0057] The term heterocyclic or heterocyclyl includes, unless otherwise indicated, in general a 3- to 9-membered, preferably a 4- to 8-membered or 5- to 7-membered, more preferably 5- or 6-membered, in particular 6-membered monocyclic ring. The heterocycle may be saturated, partially or fully unsaturated, or aromatic, wherein saturated means that only single bonds are present, and partially or fully unsaturated means that one or more double bonds may be present in suitable positions, while the Hckel rule for aromaticity is not fulfilled, whereas aromatic means that the Hckel (4n+2) rule is fulfilled. The heterocycle typically comprises one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4, preferably 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members, where S-atoms as ring members may be present as S, SO or SO.sub.2. The remaining ring members are carbon atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the heterocycle is an aromatic heterocycle, preferably a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle comprising one or more, e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4, preferably 1, 2, or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members, where S-atoms as ring members may be present as S, SO or SO.sub.2. Examples of aromatic heterocycles are provided below in connection with the definition of hetaryl. Hetaryls or heteroaryls are covered by the term heterocycles. The saturated or partially or fully unsaturated heterocycles usually comprise 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, preferably 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S as ring members, where S-atoms as ring members may be present as S, SO or SO.sub.2. The skilled person is aware that S, SO or SO.sub.2 is to be understood as follows:

##STR00001##

[0058] Further, a skilled person is aware that resonance structures of the oxidized forms may be possible. Saturated heterocycles include, unless otherwise indicated, in general 3- to 9-membered, preferably 4- to 8-membered or 5- to 7-membered, more preferably 5- or 6-membered monocyclic rings comprising 3 to 9, preferably 4 to 8 or 5 to 7, more preferably 5 or 6 atoms comprising at least one heteroatom, such as pyrrolidine, tetrahydrothiophene, tetrahydrofuran, piperidine, tetrahydropyran, dioxane, morpholine or piperazine.

[0059] The term aryl or aromatic carbocycle preferably includes 6-membered aromatic carbocyclic rings based on carbon atoms as ring members. A preferred example is phenyl.

[0060] The term oil palm as used herein denotes a species of palm, which is also known as Elaeis guineensis. It is the principal source of palm oil.

[0061] The term coconut tree as used herein denotes a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and is also referred to as Cocos nucifera. It is the principal source for coconut oil.

[0062] The term Macaba palm as used herein denotes a species of palm. Exemplary species are known as Acrocomia aculeata (also known as macaiba, boicaiuva, macava, coco-de-catarro, coco-baboso, and coco-de-espinho), Acrocomia hassleri, and Acrocomia totei. Macaba palms can grow high, e.g. up to about 15 m. The Macaba fruit comprises pulp and kernel.

[0063] The term pulp as used herein refers to inner flesh of a fruit.

[0064] The term kernel as used herein is interchangeable with seed or almond.

[0065] The term cleaning composition as used herein encompasses home care formulation, industrial care formulation, and institutional care formulation. Home care formulations are typically used by private consumers, whereas industrial care formulations are typically used by the industry, and institutional care formulations are typically used in e.g. clinics and nursing homes. It is however also possible that the respective formulations can be used in different areas than intended. Hence, the institutional care formulation may also be used by private consumers or the industry and vice versa. Typically cleaning compositions are e.g. for the 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.

[0066] The term nutrition formulation as used herein encompasses food and feed formulations. The nutrition formulation can have any suitable form, e.g. liquid or solid and can be administered or uptaken in any suitable manner, e.g. orally, parenterally, or rectally.

[0067] The term pharmaceutical formulation as used herein refers to any suitable pharmaceutical formulation, which may e.g. be administered in any suitable manner such as by oral, transdermal, parenteral, nasal, vaginal, or rectal application. Suitable solid pharmaceutical formulation can be in form of tablets, suppositories, or capsules or in form of a spray. Suitable transdermal pharmaceutical formulations encompass patches or formulations such as sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, ointments, powders, or gels. Liquid pharmaceutical formulations are preferably administered orally, parenterally, or nasal.

[0068] The term liquid as used herein also encompasses semi-solid conditions, wherein the fluid has an increased viscosity (e.g. creamy, gels, ointments).

[0069] The term crop formulation as used herein encompasses pesticide formulations, fungicide formulations, and herbicide formulations.

[0070] The term oil yield in tons per hectare per year as used herein is directed to the oil derived from the fruit of the plant via e.g. extraction, wherein the fruit comprises the pulp and the kernel. It refers to the oil produced per hectare. It is to be understood that the value refers to the oil yield obtained from a monoculture, wherein the plants are cultivated under standard conditions, which depend on the respective plant and are known to the skilled person. Hence, in the event that the plant is not cultivated in a monoculture (e.g. on a cattle field), the respective value for this particular cultivation may be reduced. Typically, oil palm has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 3.8 t/ha/yr, rapeseed has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 0.8 t/ha/yr, sunflower has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 0.7 t/ha/yr, and soya has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 0.6 t/ha/yr.

[0071] The term monoculture as used herein denotes the practice of growing one plant, e.g. Macaba palm, in a field at a time. On the example of Macaba palm, about 500 to about 600 palms can be planted per hectare. In this connection, it is preferred that the minimum distance between the tress is about 3.5 to 4.5 meters. This number varies depending on e.g. the soil. The growing of the Macaba plants is described in the following. In the first year, growth is slower, as the major development occurs below the soil. Hence, the plant itself grows about 80 to 100 cm. From the second year onwards, when the plant size is approximately 100 to 150 cm), growth is faster and there is an increased development of the aerial part of the plant. A fully mature plant providing the claimed oil yield per hectare per year is about 5 to 6 years old.

[0072] The water consumption of the Macaba plant is 50% lower than of palm. Macaba plantations can be located in regions with a minimum rainfall of 1.200 mm per year.

[0073] The term agroforestry as used herein denotes a land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among other plant such as other trees or other shrubs or crops or pastureland. It is to be understood that not only one further plant can be present in agroforestry. On the example of Macaba palm, e.g. about 250 to about 360 or about 325 to about 350, trees can be planted per hectare. In this connection, suitable crops that may be planted together with Macaba palm are exemplarily beans, mandioca, corn, cereals, sunflower, peanut, rapeseed, soya, and mixtures thereof.

[0074] The term silvopastoral as used herein denotes a land use management system in which trees and optionally forage are planted within the grazing of domesticated animals. On the example of Macaba palm, e.g. about 275 to about 450 or about 375 to about 400, trees can be planted per hectare.

[0075] Preferred embodiments regarding the process of manufacturing a fatty alcohol composition or a surfactant or a specific fatty alcohol, the fatty alcohol compositions as well as the use thereof, the use of the surfactant and the products comprising the same are described hereinafter. It is to be understood that the preferred embodiments of the invention are preferred alone or in combination with each other.

[0076] One advantage of the present invention is that the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention exhibit improved storage stability and improved handling and processability.

[0077] The fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention have in particular an improved storage stability. Improved storage stability is achieved if the composition does not exhibit any visible (e.g., cloudiness, discoloration, phase separation, agglomeration) or measurable (e.g. pH, viscosity, active substance content, color value) or perceivable (odor) changes over time. Preferably, improved storage stability is achieved if less color formation during storage at elevated temperatures such as 40 C. or more is observed. Also preferably, improved storage stability is achieved if no cloudiness or phase separation during storage at low temperatures such as 15 C. or lower can be observed in case of aqueous compositions. Most preferably, improved storage stability is achieved if the time wherein the composition is unchanged and stable is as long as possible.

[0078] Preferably, the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention have an improved handling and processability. Improved handling and processability is in particular achieved if the aqueous composition has a viscosity that allows for free-flowing at room temperature (23 C.) and/or to be easily stirred and pumped (e.g. showing a shear thinning behavior). Preferably, improved handling and processability is achieved if the aqueous composition can be dissolved rapidly in a water phase, ideally without additional heating (at 23 C.). Also preferably, improved handling and processability is achieved if the time that is needed to prepare a personal care composition with this composition is as short as possible.

[0079] One advantage of the present invention is that the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention show improved viscosity and flow behavior and/or improved appearance/clarity and/or improved the mildness and/or improved surface activity and cleaning capability and/or improved foaming capability and/or improved care performance.

[0080] What is understood as advantageous viscosity and flow behavior depends on the intended use and application of the personal care compositions. For aqueous personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention such as shower gels and shampoos it is desirable to have a high viscosity in the range of 5000-20000 mPas (measured using a Brookfield RV laboratory rheometer at 23 C., 10 rpm, spindle choice depending on viscosity range). As is known, mPas means millipascal seconds. Hence, improved viscosity and flow behavior for aqueous personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention such as shower gels and shampoos is preferably achieved by either having higher viscosity with the same concentration of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols (and same concentration of other components) or by having the same viscosity with a lower concentration of fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols (and/or lower concentration of other components). Preferably, improved viscosity and flow behavior for aqueous personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention such as shower gels and shampoos is achieved, if the viscosity is not or less sensitive to the temperature (e.g., no or less viscosity decrease at elevated temperatures such as 40 C. or more). Finally, also preferably, improved viscosity and flow behavior for aqueous personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention such as shower gels and shampoos is achieved if the viscosity is not or less sensitive to the addition of a parfum (e.g. no or less viscosity decrease), and/or if the compositions have a shear-thinning flow behavior, means that the viscosity decreases when shear-stress is applied to the composition (e.g. when it's moved, stirred, pumped, shaken), and/or if the viscosity when the composition is at rest (in the bottle/packaging, when collected on the palm of hand) is high and the viscosity under shear-stress (e.g. when dosed, squeezed out of the bottle or distributed/applied and rubbed between hands and/or hair) is low.

[0081] For aqueous personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention very often clear compositions are required, especially if transparent packaging is used. Hence, preferably, the care compositions of the present invention have an improved clarity. Clarity can be inspected visually.

[0082] For personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention it is desirable to have a good skin and mucous membrane (ocular and oral) compatibility and thus a low irritation potential, also denoted as mildness. The personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention have an improved mildness. The irritation potential can be determined by methods known to those skilled in the art, e.g., in vitro methods like RBC, HET-CAM or test on model tissues (Epi-Ocular/Epi-Oral) and also by test subjects (e.g., epicutaneous patch test, tear-free tests with panelist).

[0083] For personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention it is also advantageous to have improved surface activity. Improved surface activity is characterized by either a lower CMC (critical micellar concentration), a lower surface tension or the ability to reduce the surface tension faster than a composition comprising fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols derived from other oil sources. The surface can for example be the interface between the aqueous composition and either air, gas or oil. Hence, the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention preferably have an improved surface activity. The surface activity can be measured CMC measurement with a tensiometer (DCAT, DataPhysics Instruments GmbH or comparable), dynamic surface tension measurement with the bubble pressure method (SITA-Online T60, Sita Messtechnik GmbH or comparable). These characteristics are also relevant to determine the cleansing, dispersing, emulsifying and solubilisation capability of a composition, specifically for the removal of dirt and oily substances from hair, skin, hard surfaces, and textiles.

[0084] In parallel to the compositions comprising fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention, also personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention show improved storage stability as defined above.

[0085] It is desirable that personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention have a good foaming ability. It is in particular desirable that the compositions are capable to create a foam with a high initial foam volume when the composition is used, e.g. by rubbing between hands, skin and/or hair; and/or that is stable after foam formation was finished, so showing no or less volume decrease compared to the initial foam volume and/or with no or less drainage (no or only little liquid accumulates below the foam); and/or that has small foam bubbles and a narrow foam bubble size distribution; and/or that has high water content (liquid volume in foam/total volume of foam); and/or that has high elasticity; and/or that has a pleasant foam sensory such as soft and dense feeling of the foam, creaminess, elasticity, moldability and overall acceptance by the consumer. Preferably, the foam derived from the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols of the present invention shows the above-mentioned characteristics even under challenging conditions such as in hard water (e.g. 15 dH), at low temperatures, under acidic or alkaline conditions, in presence of a high oil load, in presence of a high salt load, with no anionic sulfate-surfactants present.

[0086] The foaming behavior of an aqueous composition (or a dried composition that has been dissolved in water) can be investigated e.g. by agitating the solution within a short time period (10-200 seconds) by means of stirring, shaking, pumping, bubbling through a gas stream or in other way and then monitoring the foam volume over time (up to 30 minutes) and taking pictures of the foam structure for image analysis. Test equipment such as the Foam Expert (SITA Messtechnik GmbH) or Dynamic Foam Analyzer DFA 100 (Krss) can be used for that purpose. In addition, the foam can be evaluated by the means of rheological measurements in a viscosimeter.

[0087] Preferably, the personal care composition, cleaning composition, nutrition formulation, pharmaceutical formulation, or crop formulation of the fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols derived from Macaba oil leave a more caring feeling after use on hair and/or skin than compositions comprising fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols derived from other oil sources. This can be investigated, for example, by a test panel by reference to subjective skin feel (smoothness, dryness etc.) or haptics and feel of the treated hair. Mechanical measurement methods, such as combability of the hair or hair breakage, can also be used.

[0088] Preferred embodiments regarding the composition comprising fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols derived from Macaba palm oil or the composition comprising fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols obtainable by a process comprising the steps of amidation and reaction with chloroacetic acid, as well as the use thereof for the production of fatty acid compositions, surfactants, or specific fatty alcohols, the use thereof as surfactants in personal care compositions and/or cleaning compositions and these personal care composition and cleaning composition themselves are described hereinafter. It is to be understood that the preferred embodiments of the invention are preferred alone or in combination with each other.

[0089] It is a special advantage of the process of the present invention that it is more efficient and less energy intensive and thus has higher sustainability and better carbon footprint. Reason is that the Macaba oil has a lower melting point than for example usually used palm kernel oil. Hence, it has lower viscosities at comparable temperatures and thus can be processed with lower energy demand at lower temperatures. Another reason is that the sustainability of the Macaba oil is higher than the substainability of oil from other oil sources such as coconut oil, palm oil, or palm kernel oil due to the less water intensive growing conditions, less need for space, higher productivity and higher robustness to allow for growing in less specialized conditions.

[0090] Another reason is that the lower melting point leads to lower free fatty acid contents. Free fatty acids need to be removed before transesterification as preferably used in the process of the present invention. Such a removal can be done either by chemical refinement, in which the free fatty acids are transformed into soaps and subsequently wash out with e.g. water, or by physical refinement, in which the free fatty acids are contacted with steam and are subsequently collected. Furthermore, the removed free fatty acids are at least in production again re-esterified and re-added to the feed stock. Hence, lower free fatty acid content needs to lower demand of energy and material, rendering the overall process more efficient and sustainable.

[0091] As indicated above, the present invention relates in one embodiment to a process of manufacturing a fatty alcohol composition, the process comprising the step of [0092] a) converting oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr into the fatty alcohol composition.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei, and/or Acrocomia aculeata, and in particular Acrocomia aculeata.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the palm pulp and/or the palm kernel.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the Macaba kernel, preferably wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei, and/or Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from more preferably Acrocomia hassleri kernel, Acrocomia totei kernel, and/or Acrocomia aculeata kernel, and in particular wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from Acrocomia aculeata kernel.

[0096] In another preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the Macaba pulp, and in particular wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from Acrocomia aculeata pulp.

[0097] In another preferred embodiment, the oil is extracted from the Macaba pulp and kernel, and in particular wherein the Macaba palm is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from Acrocomia aculeata pulp and kernel.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm can sufficiently grow under tropical and subtropical conditions.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm can sufficiently grow in regions from the 30.sup.th parallel north to the 28.sup.th parallel south, preferably from the 25.sup.th parallel north to the 25.sup.th parallel south.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm sufficiently grows at a temperature range of 18 to 30 C., more preferably of 20 to 28 C. In this connection it is to be understood that the temperature range is the average temperature over one year. Hence, the Macaba palm is preferably less vulnerable to temperature fluctuation.

[0101] The term sufficiently grow as used herein denotes that the claimed oil yield is achievable under standard cultivation.

[0102] In addition, particularly oil palm need tropical conditions and preferred temperatures between about 24 to 28 C., monthly rainfalls of at least 100 mm/m.sup.2, and a humidity between about 50 to 70%. These factors limit the possibility of a profitable cultivation.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides a reduced water demand.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides a reduction of the loss of biodiversity.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides a reduction of loss of habitats for local tribes.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides a reduction of deforestation.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides an improved recovery of degraded areas and/or springs and watersheds.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the process provides an improved retention of moisture in the soil.

[0109] In this connection it is to be understood that the above-outlined reductions or improvements are compared to plants having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably compared to oil palm.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr is the crude oil, i.e. not further treated after the extraction from the Macaba palm.

[0111] In another preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr is the filtered oil, i.e. wherein the crude oil is first filtered by any known in the art filtering systems and then used in the process. A suitable filtration process is e.g. press filtration.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from a Macaba palm having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr is the crude oil, i.e. not further treated after the extraction from the Macaba palm, having a free fatty acids content of not more than 4 wt %.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, in step a) the conversion is conducted under chemical or enzymatic conditions, preferably under chemical conditions.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, step a) involves [0115] i) a hydrogenation, preferably a transesterification and a hydrogenation, in particular a trans-esterification followed by a hydrogenation or [0116] ii) a hydrolysis, preferably a hydrolysis and a hydrogenation, in particular a hydrolysis followed by a hydrogenation.

[0117] Any suitable transesterification method can be conducted. Preferably, the transesterification is conducted in the presence of simple alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, and/or isopropanol providing glycerol and the respective esters. In a preferred embodiment, the transesterification is conducted in the presence of methanol. The reaction can further comprise the addition of a catalysts. Preferably, the alcohol is provided in excess.

[0118] Any suitable hydrogenation method can be conducted. Preferably, the hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of a solid catalyst and hydrogen. Preferably, the hydrogenation is performed at a pressure of about 10 to about 350 bar, more preferably of about 200 to about 300 bar. Preferably the hydrogenation is performed at a temperature of about 50 to about 300 C., more preferably of about 100 to about 270 C.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogenation is conducted partially, i.e. that the fatty alcohol composition still comprises unsaturated moieties.

[0120] In another preferred embodiment, complete hydrogenation is conducted, i.e. that the fatty alcohol composition does not comprise unsaturated moieties.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 45 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.10-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohols.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 85 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.10-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and at least 75 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 10 to 25 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and 75 to 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-14 fatty alcohols.

[0126] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-18 fatty alcohols.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 2 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, at least 35 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, at least 5 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and at least 4 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 3 to 7 wt.-% of C.sub.8 fatty alcohols, 2 to 6 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, 35 to 45 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, 5 to 13 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and 4 to 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 0.2 to 4 wt.-% of C.sub.6 fatty alcohols, 3 to 7 wt.-% of C.sub.8 fatty alcohols, 2 to 6 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, 35 to 45 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, 5 to 13 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and 4 to 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.6 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of Ca fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year in the range of at least 7 t/ha/yr, preferably at least 8 t/ha/yr.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, the Macaba palm has an oil yield in tons per hectare per year in the range of 6 to 30 t/ha/yr, preferably 7 to 20 t/ha/yr, more preferably of 8 to 15 t/ha/yr or of 8 to 12 t/ha/yr or of 8 to 11 t/ha/yr.

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from a Macaba palm is first blended with at least one oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably of less than 5 t/ha/yr, more preferably of less than 4.5 t/ha/yr. In a preferred embodiment, the oil extracted from Macaba palm as above-disclosed applied in step A) is first blended with at least one oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of 0.1 to less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably of 0.3 to 5 t/ha/yr, more preferably of 0.5 to 4.5 t/ha/yr.

[0140] In yet another preferred embodiment the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soy oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, rapeseed oil, and/or combinations thereof.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is palm oil (PO) and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is coconut oil (CNO).

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is palm oil (PO).

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the oil obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is coconut oil (CNO) and palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the process further comprises [0148] b) conversion of the fatty alcohols into derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ethersulfates, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amides, fatty alcohol glycosides, fatty alkyl polyglucoside, fatty ethers, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0149] Suitable fatty alcohol sulfates can be express by the general formula (I)

ROSO.sub.3M(I) [0150] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and M is a suitable counter ion, such as triethanolammonium, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ or NH.sub.4.sup.+, preferably sodium. Fatty alcohol sulfates are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0151] Suitable fatty alcohol ethersulfates can be express by the general formula (II)

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nSO.sub.3M(II), [0152] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, n is an average number of 1 to 30, preferably of 1 to 10, more preferably of 1 to 5, and M is a suitable counter ion, such as triethanolammonium, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ or NH.sub.4.sup.+, preferably sodium. Fatty alcohol ethersulfates are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0153] Suitable fatty esters can be expressed by the general formula (III)

ROCOR.sup.1(III), [0154] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.24-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl. Fatty esters are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the process of the present invention produces a simple fatty acid ester. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of fatty acid esters, preferably simple fatty acid esters, according to the invention as emollients in cosmetic compositions.

[0156] The term fatty amines as used herein encompasses primary fatty amines, secondary amines, ternary amines, ethoxylated fatty amines, fatty amine oxides, and amine salts.

[0157] Suitable fatty amines (e.g. primary fatty amines, secondary amines, ternary amines) can be expressed by the general formula (IV)

RNR.sup.2R.sup.2(IV), [0158] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.2 are independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkylene-NR.sup.21R.sup.22, wherein R.sup.21 and R.sup.22 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0159] Suitable ethoxylated fatty amines can be expressed by the general formula (V)

RNR.sup.3R.sup.4(V), [0160] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently H or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nN, n is an average number of 1 to 20, preferably of 1.5 to 10, N is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0161] Suitable fatty amine oxides can be expressed by the general formula (VI)

RNR.sup.5R.sup.6O(VI) [0162] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0163] Suitable amine salts are e.g. quaternary amines having the general formula (VII)

RNR.sup.7R.sup.8R.sup.9Q(VII), [0164] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.1, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.16-alkyl, preferably H or C.sub.4-C.sub.10-alkyl, and Q is a halide, hydrogensulfate, bicarbonate, benzoate, formate, acetate, propionate and butyrate, preferably chloride. In this connection, it is to be understood that a positive charge is on the nitrogen and a negative charge is on Q.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the amine salt has the general formula (VII)

RNR.sup.7R.sup.8R.sup.9Q(VII), [0166] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.12-C.sub.20-alkyl, preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.5-alkyl, preferably methyl, and Q is a halide, preferably chloride.

[0167] Fatty amines are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0168] Suitable fatty alcohol glycosides can be expressed by the general formula (VIII)

RO-G(VIII), [0169] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and G is a glucose moiety or xylose moiety, preferably a glucose moiety, preferably connected via the C.sub.1 carbon atom. Fatty alcohol glycosides are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0170] Suitable fatty alkyl polyglucoside can be expressed by the general formula (IX)

RO-(G).sub.g-H(IX), [0171] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.8-C.sub.10-alkyl or C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl or C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, G is a glucose moiety, preferably connected via the C.sub.1 and C.sub.4 carbon atom, and g is an average number of 1 to 50, preferably of 5 to 20, more preferably of 1 to 5, even more preferably of 1 to 2, and most preferably of 1.2 to 1.8. Fatty alcohol glycosides are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0172] Suitable fatty ethers can be expressed by the general formula (X)

ROR.sup.10(X), [0173] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.10 is C.sub.1-C.sub.10-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl. Fatty ethers are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0174] Suitable fatty alcohol ethoxylate can be expressed by the general formula (XI)

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sup.11(XI), [0175] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alkyl, still more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.16-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, m is an average number of 0.5 to 50, preferably of 1 to 50, more preferably of 1.5 to 10, even more preferably of 0.5 to 10, and most preferably of 0.7 to 3, and R.sup.11 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl. Fatty alcohol ethoxylates are accessible via any suitable known in the art method.

[0176] Suitable fatty amides can be expressed by the general formula (XII)

RNCOR.sup.12(XII), [0177] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.12 is C.sub.3-C.sub.24-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, heterocyclyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkylene-NR.sup.13R.sup.13, wherein R.sup.13 and R.sup.13 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl. Fatty amides are accessible via any suitable known in the art method, e.g. by first converting the fatty alcohol into the respective fatty amine, followed by a conversion into the respective fatty amide.

[0178] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a fatty alcohol composition obtained by the above-outlined process according.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0180] 1 to 20 wt.-% of a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, [0181] 1 to 8 wt.-% of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0182] 30 to 48 wt.-% of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0183] 5 to 15 wt.-% of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0184] 4 to 13 wt.-% of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0185] 15 to 42 wt.-% of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and [0186] 0 to 5 wt.-% of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba kernel.

[0187] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0188] 3 to 7 wt.-%, preferably 4 to 6 wt.-%, of a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, [0189] 2 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 3 to 5 wt.-%, of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0190] 36 to 46 wt.-%, preferably 38 to 42 wt.-%, of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0191] 6 to 13 wt.-%, preferably 8 to 11 wt.-%, of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0192] 5 to 11 wt.-%, preferably 6 to 9 wt.-%, of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0193] 25 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 30 to 38 wt.-% of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and [0194] 0 to 4 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba kernel.

[0195] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0196] 0 to 5 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, and in particular 0 to 2 wt.-%, of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0197] 0 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 5 wt.-%, and in particular 1 to 4 wt.-%, of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0198] 0 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 5 wt.-%, and in particular 1 to 4 wt.-%, of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0199] 10 to 35 wt.-%, preferably 13 to 32 wt.-%, and in particular 15 to 30 wt.-%, of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0200] 55 to 85 wt.-%, preferably 60 to 80 wt.-%, and in particular 65 to 75 wt.-%, of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, [0201] 0 to 4 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, and in particular 0 to 2 wt.-%, of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba pulp.

[0202] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 45 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.10-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohols.

[0203] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 85 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.10-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols.

[0204] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and at least 75 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0205] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 10 to 25 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and 75 to 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-14 fatty alcohols.

[0207] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-18 fatty alcohols.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 2 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, at least 35 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, at least 5 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and at least 4 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 3 to 7 wt.-% of C.sub.8 fatty alcohols, 2 to 6 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, 35 to 45 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, 5 to 13 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and 4 to 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0210] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of Ca fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0211] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0212] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0213] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0214] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0215] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0216] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a fatty alcohol composition obtained from the fruits of a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, wherein the oil obtained from the plant is converted into the fatty alcohol composition.

[0217] Preferred embodiments are already above-outlined in the process of manufacturing a fatty alcohol composition and shall apply for the fatty alcohol composition, as well. Particular preferred embodiment are mentioned in the following.

[0218] In a preferred embodiment, the plant is a palm, preferably a palm of the genus Acrocomia, more preferably a Macaba palm, still more preferably Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei, and/or Acrocomia aculeata, and in particular Acrocomia aculeata and/or wherein the oil is obtained by extraction of the fruits, preferably wherein the plant is a palm and the oil is extracted from the palm pulp and/or the palm kernel, more preferably wherein the plant is Macaba palm and the oil is extracted from the Macaba kernel, still more preferably wherein the plant is Acrocomia hassleri, Acrocomia totei, and/or Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from more preferably Acrocomia hassleri kernel, Acrocomia totei kernel, and/or Acrocomia aculeata kernel, and in particular wherein the plant is Acrocomia aculeata and the oil is extracted from and/or Acrocomia aculeata kernel.

[0219] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0220] 1 to 20 of wt.-% of a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, [0221] 1 to 8 of wt.-% of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0222] 30 to 48 wt.-% of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0223] 5 to 15 wt.-% of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0224] 4 to 13 wt.-% of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0225] 15 to 42 wt.-% of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and [0226] 0 to 5 wt.-% of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba kernel.

[0227] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0228] 3 to 7 wt.-%, preferably 4 to 6 wt.-%, of a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, [0229] 2 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 3 to 5 wt.-%, of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0230] 36 to 46 wt.-%, preferably 38 to 42 wt.-%, of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0231] 6 to 13 wt.-%, preferably 8 to 11 wt.-%, of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0232] 5 to 11 wt.-%, preferably 6 to 9 wt.-%, of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0233] 25 to 40 wt.-%, preferably 30 to 38 wt.-% of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and [0234] 0 to 4 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba kernel.

[0235] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises [0236] 0 to 5 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, and in particular 0 to 2 wt.-%, of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, [0237] 0 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 5 wt.-%, and in particular 1 to 4 wt.-%, of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, [0238] 0 to 6 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 5 wt.-%, and in particular 1 to 4 wt.-%, of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, [0239] 10 to 35 wt.-%, preferably 13 to 32 wt.-%, and in particular 15 to 30 wt.-%, of a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, [0240] 55 to 85 wt.-%, preferably 60 to 80 wt.-%, and in particular 65 to 75 wt.-%, of a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, [0241] 0 to 4 wt.-%, preferably 0 to 3 wt.-%, and in particular 0 to 2 wt.-%, of a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol,
each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition. Said fatty alcohol composition is preferably obtained from oil extracted from Macaba pulp.

[0242] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 45 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.16-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.10-C.sub.16 fatty alcohols or C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohols.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 85 wt.-% based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.4-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, preferably C.sub.10-C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, even more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.20 fatty alcohols, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.18 fatty alcohols.

[0244] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and at least 75 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0245] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 10 to 25 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols and 75 to 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0246] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-14 fatty alcohols.

[0247] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, and in particular at least 95 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition, of C.sub.12-18 fatty alcohols.

[0248] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 2 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, at least 35 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, at least 5 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and at least 4 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0249] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises 3 to 7 wt.-% of C.sub.8 fatty alcohols, 2 to 6 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, 35 to 45 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, 5 to 13 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, and 4 to 10 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, each based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0250] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.8 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0251] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.10 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0252] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.12 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0253] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.14 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0254] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.16 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0255] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition comprises at least 90 wt.-% of C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition.

[0256] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to the use of a fatty alcohol composition as above-outlined for manufacturing a C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, or blends thereof.

[0257] Preferably, the respective fatty alcohols are separated via fractionation of the alcohol composition or of its ester composition such as methylester composition. The skilled person is aware of suitable processes such as distillation. In a preferred embodiment, the alcohols are separated via fractional distillation. Preferably, the fractional distillation system is designed as add-on unit operations to produce high purity of single alcohol cuts. The single or two tower systems are preferably fitted with high performance structured packings for minimal pressure drop and highest product quality.

[0258] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a process of manufacturing a surfactant comprising the steps of [0259] A) separating fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, from the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed, [0260] B) optionally blending at least two of the separated fatty alcohols, [0261] C) subsequently converting at least one of the separated fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol into the respective fatty alcohol derivative selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfate, fatty alcohol ethersulfate, fatty ester, fatty amine, fatty amide, fatty alcohol glycoside, fatty alkyl polyglucoside, fatty ether, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0262] It is to be understood that all preferred embodiment regarding the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed shall apply for the process of manufacturing a surfactant, as well. Thus, the fatty alcohol composition is derived from a plant or a fruit having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr.

[0263] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably of less than 5 t/ha/yr, more preferably of less than 4.5 t/ha/yr. In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of 0.1 to less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably of 0.3 to 5 t/ha/yr, more preferably of 0.5 to 4.5 t/ha/yr. In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per 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 fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from soy oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and/or rapeseed oil.

[0264] In yet another preferred embodiment the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soy oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and/or rapeseed oil.

[0265] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0266] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from palm oil (PO) and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0267] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0268] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from coconut oil (CNO).

[0269] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and coconut oil (CNO).

[0270] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed applied in step A) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba pulp, is first blended with a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm oil (PO).

[0271] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, preferably of less than 5 t/ha/yr, more preferably of less than 4.5 t/ha/yr, and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives. In this connection it is to be understood that the subsequent conversion preferably provide a fatty alcohol derivative, which is equal to the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C). Hence, if step C) provides a specific fatty amine, the additional fatty alcohol derivative blended into the mixture is also the specific fatty amine (however obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr).

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per 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 fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from soy oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and/or rapeseed oil.

[0273] In yet another preferred embodiment the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), soy oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and/or rapeseed oil.

[0274] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from coconut oil (CNO), and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0275] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr is derived from palm oil (PO) and/or palm kernel oil (PKO).

[0276] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives.

[0277] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from coconut oil (CNO) and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives.

[0278] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba kernel, is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm kernel oil (PKO) and coconut oil (CNO) and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives.

[0279] In a preferred embodiment, the fatty alcohol derivative obtained in step C) obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of at least 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from Macaba pulp, is blended with fatty alcohol derivatives obtained from a fatty alcohol composition obtained from a plant having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of less than 6 t/ha/yr, which is derived from palm oil (PO) and a subsequent conversion into the respective fatty alcohol derivatives.

[0280] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a surfactant obtained by the above-disclosed process. In this connection, suitable surfactants are selected from the group consisting of fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty alcohol ethersulfates, fatty esters, fatty amines, fatty amides, fatty alcohol glycosides, fatty alkyl polyglucoside, fatty ethers, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate.

[0281] Suitable fatty alcohol sulfates can be express by the general formula (I)

ROSO.sub.3M(I), [0282] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and M is a suitable counter ion, such as triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH.sub.4+, preferably sodium.

[0283] Suitable fatty alcohol ethersulfates can be express by the general formula (II)

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.nSO.sub.3M(II), [0284] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, n is an average number of 1 to 30, preferably 1 to 10, more preferably of 1 to 5, and M is a suitable counter ion, such as triethanolammonium, Na+, K+ or NH.sub.4+, preferably sodium.

[0285] Suitable fatty esters can be expressed by the general formula (III)

ROCOR.sup.1(III), [0286] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-C.sub.24-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl.

[0287] The term fatty amines as used herein encompasses primary fatty amines, ethoxylated fatty amines, fatty amine oxides, and amine salts.

[0288] Suitable fatty amines can be expressed by the general formula (IV)

RNR.sup.2R.sup.2(IV) [0289] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.2 and R.sup.2 are independently H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkylene-NR.sup.21R.sup.22, wherein R.sup.21 and R.sup.22 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alky.

[0290] Suitable ethoxylated fatty amines can be expressed by the general formula (V)

RNR.sup.3R.sup.4(V), [0291] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently H or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O) n-N, n is an average number of 1 to 20, preferably of 1.5 to 10, N is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0292] Suitable fatty amine oxides can be expressed by the general formula (VI)

RNR.sup.5R.sup.6O(VI) [0293] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0294] Suitable amine salts are e.g. quaternary amines having the general formula (VII)

RNR.sup.7R.sup.8R.sup.9Q(VII), [0295] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.16-alkyl, preferably H or C.sub.4-C.sub.10-alkyl, and Q is a halide, hydrogensulfate, bicarbonate, benzoate, formate, acetate, propionate and butyrate, preferably chloride. In this connection, it is to be understood that a positive charge is on the nitrogen and a negative charge is on Q.

[0296] In a preferred embodiment, the amine salt has the general formula (VII)

RNR.sup.7R.sup.8R.sup.9Q(VII), [0297] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.12-C.sub.20-alkyl, preferably C.sub.14-C.sub.18-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, and R.sup.9 are independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.5-alkyl, preferably methyl, and Q is a halide, preferably chloride.

[0298] Suitable fatty alcohol glycosides can be expressed by the general formula (VIII)

RO-G(VIII), [0299] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and G is a glucose moiety, preferably connected via the C.sub.1 carbon atom.

[0300] Suitable fatty alkyl polyglucoside can be expressed by the general formula (IX)

RO-(G).sub.g-H(IX), [0301] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.8-C.sub.10-alkyl or C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl or C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, G is a glucose moiety, preferably connected via the C.sub.1 and C.sub.4 carbon atom, and g is an average number of 1 to 50, preferably of 5 to 20, more preferably of 1 to 5, even more preferably of 1 to 2, and most preferably of 1.2 to 1.8.

[0302] Suitable fatty ethers can be expressed by the general formula (X)

ROR.sup.10(X), [0303] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.8-C.sub.14-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.10 is C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl.

[0304] Suitable fatty alcohol ethoxylate can be expressed by the general formula (XI)

RO(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.mR.sup.11(XI), [0305] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.18-alkyl, still more preferably C.sub.12-C.sub.16-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, m is an average number of 0.5 to 50, preferably of 1 to 50, more preferably of 1.5 to 10, even more preferably of 0.5 to 10, and most preferably of 0.7 to 3 and R.sup.11 is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, or heterocyclyl.

[0306] Suitable fatty amides can be expressed by the general formula (XII)

RNR.sup.12COR.sup.13(XII), [0307] wherein R is saturated or unsaturated C.sub.4-C.sub.24-alkyl, preferably C.sub.6-C.sub.20-alkyl, and in particular C.sub.12-C.sub.14-alkyl, and R.sup.12 is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl, preferably H, R.sup.13 is C.sub.3-C.sub.24-alkyl, C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkoxy, aryl, benzyl, heterocyclyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.8-alkylene-NR.sup.14R.sup.14, wherein R.sup.14 and R.sup.14 are independently C.sub.1-C.sub.4-alkyl.

[0308] As indicated above, the present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, preferably a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, more preferably a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, even more preferably a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, and in particular a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and/or blends thereof, comprising separating the C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, preferably the C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, more preferably the C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, even more preferably the C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and in particular the C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and/or C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, from the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed and optionally blending at least two of the separated fatty alcohols.

[0309] It is to be understood that if the process provides a blend, that the blending step is not optional.

[0310] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a blend of a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, comprising separating the C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, the C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, the C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and the C.sub.16 fatty alcohol from the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed and subsequently blending the separated C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, the separated C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, the separated C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and the separated C.sub.16 fatty alcohol.

[0311] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a blend of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, comprising separating the C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and the C.sub.14 fatty alcohol from the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed and subsequently blending the separated C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and the separated C.sub.14 fatty alcohol.

[0312] The present invention also is directed to a process of manufacturing e.g. a C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, and/or a C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, preferably a C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and/or a C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, more preferably a C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and/or a C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, even more preferably a C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and/or a C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and in particular a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and/or a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, comprising separating the C.sub.4 fatty alcohol, C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.22 fatty alcohol, preferably the C.sub.6 fatty alcohol, C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.20 fatty alcohol, more preferably the C.sub.8 fatty alcohol, C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.18 fatty alcohol, even more preferably the C.sub.10 fatty alcohol, C.sub.12 fatty alcohol, C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, and/or C.sub.16 fatty alcohol, and in particular the C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and/or C.sub.14 fatty alcohol, from the fatty alcohol composition as above-disclosed.

[0313] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to the use of the above-outlined surfactant in a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutrition formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a crop formulation.

[0314] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in a personal care composition, preferably selected from the group consisting of face care composition, hair care composition, body care composition, oral care composition, or antiperspirants and deodorants.

[0315] Suitable cosmetic formulations containing active ingredients are, e.g., hormone preparations, vitamin preparations, vegetable extract preparations and antibacterial preparations.

[0316] According to the present invention the personal care composition may comprise one or more active agent(s), e.g., organic and inorganic UV filters and vitamins, as well as other ingredients or additives, e.g., pigments, emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity regulators, stabilizers, preservatives, or fragrances.

[0317] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in a sunscreen.

[0318] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in a decorative preparations, preferably selected from the group consisting of lipsticks, nail varnishes, eye shadows, mascaras, dry and moist make-up, rouge, powders, depilatory agents and suntan lotions.

[0319] The personal care composition is preferably in form of creams, ointments, pastes, foams, gels, lotions, powders, make-ups, sprays, sticks or aerosols.

[0320] Preferably, the surfactant is used to control the metal ions, improve the dispersing, improve the emulsifying, control the foaming, modify the surface, and/or protect the active agent(s).

[0321] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in a cleaning composition, preferably selected from the group consisting of home care formulation, industrial care formulation, and institutional care formulation.

[0322] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning composition is selected from the group consisting of laundry composition (personal and commercial), dishwashing composition, hard surface cleaning composition, food service and kitchen hygiene composition, food and beverage processing composition, sanitation composition, institutional cleaning composition, industrial cleaning composition, and vehicle and transportation care composition.

[0323] The cleaning composition may comprise at least one bleaching system known in the art in an amount of from 0 to 50 wt.-%. Suitable bleaching components include bleaching catalysts, photobleaches, bleach activators, sources of hydrogen peroxide such as sodium percarbonate and sodium perborates, preformed peracids, and mixtures thereof.

[0324] The cleaning compositions may furthermore comprise dirt-suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose; pH regulators, for example alkali metal or alkaline earth metal silicates; bactericides; foam regulators, for example soap; salts for adjusting the spray drying and the granulating properties, for example sodium sulfate; fragrances; antistatic agents; fabric conditioners; further bleaching agents; pigments; and/or toning agents.

[0325] Preferably, the surfactant is used to control the metal ions, improve the dispersing, improve the emulsifying, control the foaming, modify the surface, and/or protect the ingredient(s).

[0326] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in a nutrition formulation, preferably from the group selected from food formulations and feed formulations. The nutrition formulation can have any suitable form, e.g. liquid or solid and can be administered or uptaken in any suitable manner, e.g. orally, parenterally, or rectally.

[0327] For the preparation of a nutrition formulation, or a premix or a precursor, the process may comprise mixing a stabilized solid and/or liquid formulation comprising at least one or more food substance(s) and at least one additional ingredient(s) such as stabilizing agent.

[0328] Suitable stabilizing agents may be selected from the group consisting of gummi arabicum, at least one plant protein and mixtures thereof. It is understood that the stabilizing agent can be selected from one agent, e.g. only gummi arabicum or be composed of a mixture of e.g. one plant protein and gummi arabicum or a mixture of two or three or more different plant proteins. In one embodiment, the stabilizing agent is gummi arabicum. In another embodiment, the stabilizing agent is at least one plant protein.

[0329] Preferably, the surfactant is used to control the metal ions, improve the dispersing, improve the emulsifying, control the foaming, modify the surface, and/or protect the ingredient(s).

[0330] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in pharmaceutical formulation. The pharmaceutical formulation may be administered in any suitable manner such as by oral, transdermal, parenteral, nasal, vaginal, or rectal application. Suitable solid pharmaceutical formulation can be in form of tablets, suppositories, or capsules or in form of a spray. Suitable transdermal pharmaceutical formulations encompass patches or formulations such as sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, ointments, powders, or gels. Suitable liquid pharmaceutical formulations are preferably administered orally, parenterally, or nasal.

[0331] The pharmaceutical formulation is preferably in solid, semi-solid, or liquid form, preferably in form of tablets, suppositories, capsules, patches, as sprays, lotions, creams, oils, foams, ointments, powders, gels, or fluid.

[0332] The pharmaceutical formulation comprises at least one active agent, e.g. selected from the group consisting of anti-cancer agent, hormone, antiviral agent, antifungal agent, antibacterial agent, and inhibitor.

[0333] Preferably, the surfactant is used to control the metal ions, improve the dispersing, improve the emulsifying, control the foaming, modify the surface, and/or protect the active agent(s).

[0334] In a preferred embodiment, the above-outlined surfactants are used in crop formulation, preferably selected from the group consisting of pesticide formulations, fungicide formulations, and herbicide formulations.

[0335] The crop formulation is preferably in solid, semi-solid, or liquid form. Preferably, the crop formulation is suitable for a ready to use spray.

[0336] In a preferred embodiment, the pesticide formulation comprises a pesticide selected from the group consisting of chlorpyrifos, endosulfan, imazalil, DDT, toxaphene, lindane, methoxychlor, dieldrin, kelthane, chlordane, Perthane, endrin, aldrin, and heptachlor.

[0337] In a preferred embodiment, the fungicide formulation comprises a fungicide 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.

[0338] In a preferred embodiment, the herbicide formulation comprises a herbicide selected from the group consisting of glyphosate, glufosinate, imidazolinone (such as imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic (e.g. Kifix), imazapyr, imazaquin and imazethapyr), and cyclohexanediones (such as tepraloxydim and clethodim).

[0339] Suitable herbicide formulation show enhanced herbicide action against undesirable harmful plants, in particular against Acalypha species such as Acalypha indica, Dinebra species such as Dinebra arabica, Cynotis spec such as Cynotis axillaris, Parthenium spec such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Physalis spec such as Physalis minima, Digera spec such as Digera arvensis, Alopecurus myosuroides, Apera spicaventi, Brachiaria spec. such as Brachiaria deflexa or Brachiaria plantaginea, Echinochloa spec. such as Echinochloa colonum, Leptochloa spec. such as Leptochloa fusca, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Saccharum spontaneum, Cynodon dactylon, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia geniculata, Commelina benghalensis, Commelina communis, certain undesired Oryza spec. such as weedy rice or red rice (Oryza sativa), Phalaris spec. such as Phalaris canariensis, Celosia argentea, Xanthium strumarium, Papaver rhoeas, Geranium spec, Brassica spec, Avena fatua, Bromus spec., Lolium spec., Phalaris spec., Setaria spec., Digitaria spec., brachiaria spec., Amaranthus spec., Chenopodium spec., Abutilon theophrasti, Galium aparine, Veronica spec., or Solanum spec. and/or to improve their compatibility with crop plants, such as soybean, peanut, pea, bean, lentil, green gram, black gram, cluster bean, fenugreek, palm, other pulse or leguminous crops, or crops which are tolerant to the action of acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibiting herbicides, such as for example Clearfield wheat, Clearfield barley, Clearfield corn, Clearfield lentil, Clearfield oilseed rape or canola, Clearfield rice, Cultivance soybean and/or Clearfield sunflower. The formulation should also have a good pre-emergence herbicidal activity.

[0340] Preferably, the surfactant is used to control the metal ions, improve the dispersing, improve the emulsifying, control the foaming, modify the surface, and/or protect the crop.

[0341] In a preferred embodiment, the personal care composition, the cleaning composition, the nutrition formulation, the pharmaceutical formulation, or the crop formulation comprises at least two surfactants. In this connection it is to be understood that the personal care composition, the cleaning composition, the nutrition formulation, the pharmaceutical formulation, or the crop formulation may comprise at least two above-outlined surfactant, at least three of the above-outlined surfactant or at least one of the above-outlined surfactant in combination with at least one further, different surfactant. The at least one further, different surfactant may be fatty acid-based surfactants (e.g. sulfonates, amides, isethionates, taurates, glycolipids, amino acids, esterquats, sophorolipids, rhamnolipids, amphoacetates, betains, amido alkanolamides, alkoxylated fatty acid ester and fatty acid methyl esters or its sulfonates).

[0342] Potential mixtures of one of the above-outlined surfactants are listed in the following. Preferably, these surfactants are also derived from Macaba oil with the exceptions of Nr. 18 and Nr. 20.

TABLE-US-00001 1 +fatty acid methyl ester or its sulfonate 2 +alkanolamide 3 +isethionate 4 +N-acyl-aminoacid (e.g. N-acylglutamic acid) 5 +taurate 6 +aminooxide 7 +sulfonate 8 +carboxylate 9 +sulfosuccinate 10 +(alkylether)sulfate 11 +betaine (e.g. cocamindopropylbetaine) 12 +amphotenside 13 +sulfoacetate 14 +alkylbetaine 15 +alkylethoxylate 16 +cationic polymer 17 +cationic surfactant 18 +silicone 19 +sulfonated fatty acid salts 20 +proteinhydrolysate 21 +protein-derivative 22 +fatty alkyl polyglucoside 23 (poly)glycerol esters

[0343] As indicated above, the present invention further relates to a personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutrition formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a crop formulation comprising a surfactant as above-outlined in more detail. It is to be understood that the further specification of the use of the surfactants in the respective personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutrition formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a crop formulation also applies for the personal care composition, a cleaning composition, a nutrition formulation, a pharmaceutical formulation, or a crop formulation.

EXAMPLES

[0344] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

[0345] The following examples are considered for the Macaba palm (e.g. having registration number AEB402A) having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 9.0 t/ha/yr.

Measurement Methods

a) Free Fatty Acid Contents

[0346] The determination of free fatty acids content in the oil has been made according to DIN EN ISO 660, the method used for measuring the acid value was ISO 4314, and the method for measurement of the saponification value was DIN EN ISO 3657/DIN EN ISO 3681.

b) Comparative Cold Stability Test

[0347] Samples (32 grams each) are filled into glass vials (diameter 2.5 cm, height 8.5 cm). They are first kept overnight in an oven at a temperature that ensures that the samples are completely dissolved and clear (here 45 C.). The next day the vials are immersed in a tempered water bath (23 C.) with the sample level being below the water level. The temperature of the water batch is reduced stepwise (2 k/h to 17 C., then 1 K/h to 15 C.). In the end the appearance of the cooled samples is observed. The samples are then taken out of the water bath and kept at room temperature (RT=23 C.) for another 16 hours. Again, the appearance is observed.

c) Thickening Behavior

[0348] Samples of 200 g are filled in a beaker and Sodium Chloride is added to the sample. The sample is then mixed until the salt has dissolved. The sample is kept at room temperature (23 C.) until all gas bubbles that were introduced during mixing have disappeared. The viscosity is measured using a Brookfield RV laboratory rheometer at 12 rpm, spindle set RV 02 to 07 (spindle selection according to viscosity range). The appearance of the samples is also inspected visually. The wt.-% of NaCl are calculated as weight of added NaCl per 200 g.

d) Foaming Behavior

[0349] Solutions of the surfactant samples are prepared (1 l in total) having a concentration of 1 g active matter/liter and a pH of 5.5 (adjusted with citric acid or sodium hydroxide solution). The sample solution is prepared with DI water (0 dH) and tempered to 15 C. The foam measurement is done with the Foam Expert device (SITA Messtechnik GmbH). 250 ml of solutions are filled in the stirring vessel and then stirred at 1300 rpm for 10 seconds, then the total volume and the liquid volume is measured (and with this the foam volume=total volume-liquid volume). The stirring and volume measurement is done 18 times. Then the sample is flushed, the stirring vessel cleaned with DI water and the same measurement (250 ml, 1810 s) is repeated two more times. The results for foam and liquid volume over stirring time are calculated as mean values of the three repetitions. Usually, the foam volume shows an asymptotic expansion. The following characteristic data can be obtained: [0350] Maximum foam volume [ml] [0351] Time to max foam volume [s]=stirring time until maximum foam volume is achieved [0352] Foam Formation Half Time [s]=stirring time until of max. foam volume is achieved
e) Method for Extracting the Oil from the Fruit

[0353] The oil is extracted by cold crushing in a dry-route process. In this process, the fruits are dried, and then pulped, and only after these steps the pulp/kernel are crushed.

Substances:

a) PKO/CNO-FAS

[0354] A fatty alcohol sulfate based on a native C.sub.12/14-fatty alcohol which is obtained from a native C.sub.6-C.sub.20 fatty alcohol composition initially comprising 49 wt.-% of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and 17 wt.-% of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol (based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition), and which has been fractionated so that it comprises at least 95 wt.-% of C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohols (based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol fraction composition). PKO/CNO-FAS is an aqueous solution of the fatty alcohol sulfates having an active matter content of 29.8 wt.-%, water content of 64.6 wt.-% and sodium sulfate content of 3.2 wt.-%. The pH value is 11.3.

b) MCO-FAS

[0355] A fatty alcohol sulfate based on a native C.sub.12/14-fatty alcohol which is obtained from a native C.sub.6-C.sub.20 fatty alcohol composition initially comprising 40 wt.-% of a C.sub.12 fatty alcohol and 10 wt.-% of a C.sub.14 fatty alcohol (based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol composition), has been fractionated so that it comprises at least 95 wt.-% of C.sub.12-C.sub.14 fatty alcohols (based on the total weight of the fatty alcohol fraction composition). MCO-FAS is an aqueous solution of the fatty alcohol sulfates having an active matter content of 28.3 wt.-%, water content of 65.3 wt.-% and sodium sulfate content of 3.5 wt.-%. The pH value is 11.8.

c) APG

[0356] Standard commercial C.sub.12-C.sub.16-fatty alcohol glycoside, active matter content: 50-53% by weight, water fraction: 47-50% by weight, pH about 11.5-12.5 (Plantacare 1200 UP, BASF BPCN)

d) Laboratory Chemicals

[0357] DI water: deionized water; Citric Acid (water-free, for analysis) CAS 77-92-9, Sodium Hydroxide (10% solution, for analysis) CAS 1310-73-2, Sodium Chloride (purity >99%) CAS 7647-14-5

Inventive Example 1 (IE1)

[0358] The Macaba palm is planted on a cattle field, e.g. about 380 trees per hectare. No deforestation is needed since the Macaba palms are cultivated on already existing fields (silvopastoral) and the farmer can in addition to cattle breeding and/or milk production distribute the Macaba fruits. 312 Macaba palms have been planted per hectare. Each palm generates from 61 kg to 90 kg of fruits/hectare per year (depending on the palm maturity and cultivation conditions). The harvest is done only once a year during the raining season (October-January). Roughly 3% of the fruit is Kernel Oil, 8% is Pulp Oil.

Inventive Example 2 (IE2)

[0359] The Macaba palm is planted on soya plantation (having a growth height of about 20 to 80 cm and an oil yield in tons per hectare per year about 0.6 t/ha/yr), e.g. about 340 trees per hectare. Again, no deforestation is needed since the Macaba palms are cultivated on an already existing plantation (agroforestry). As the Macaba palm grows up to about 15 meters in height, the soya can be cultivated parallel. In this connection, it is also possible to cultivate at least one more additional different plant (having a growth height of about 1 to 7 m) such as sunflower (having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 0.7 t/ha/yr) or beans parallel.

[0360] As can be seen from the above examples, deforestation can be significantly reduced by cultivating Macaba palms. Further, the biodiversity can be increased. In addition, even if the Macaba palm is not cultivated as a monoculture, the total oil yield can be comparable with an oil palm (having an oil yield in tons per hectare per year of about 3.8 t/ha/yr) monoculture since the oil yield as above-defined of the Macaba palm is higher. Without being bound to any theory, using a plant having an improved oil yield, degraded areas and springs and watersheds can more easily recover. Further, the retention of moisture in the soil is improved.

Inventive Example 3 (IE3)

[0361] MCO-FAS, APG and DI water were weighed in and mixed so that the final composition comprised 8.0 wt.-% active matter of the fatty alcohol sulfate and 2.0 wt.-% active matter of the APG. The pH is adjusted with citric acid to 5.2.

Comparative Example 4 (CE4)

[0362] PKO/CNO-FAS, APG and DI water were weighed in and mixed so that the final composition comprised 8.0 wt.-% active matter of the fatty alcohol sulfate and 2.0 wt.-% active matter of the APG. The pH is adjusted with citric acid to 5.2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Comparison of cold stability of formulations IE3 CE4 at 45 C. clear, homogeneous clear, homogeneous after 5 h cooling clear, homogeneous turbid, homogeneous (to 15 C.) after 16 h at RT clear, homogeneous clear upper phase, (at 23 C.) white sediment at the bottom (0.5 cm)

[0363] Table 1 shows that the formulation based on MCO-FAS (IE3) has a better stability at cold temperatures. Its appearance remains unchanged when cooled. The formulation based on PKO/CNO-FAS (CE4) is not stable at cold temperatures and the appearance change is even not reversible when brought back to room temperature.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Thickening behavior of formulations IE3 CE4 appearance viscosity appearance viscosity without NaCl clear <1000 mPas clear <1000 mPas added with 2 wt.-% clear 5400 mPas turbid 3200 mPas NaCl added

[0364] Table 2 shows that the formulation based on MCO-FAS (IE3) can be easier thickened with NaCl then the CNO/PKO-FAS based formulation (CE4). With the same amount of NaCl added IE3 achieves a higher viscosity than CE4 and remains clear while CE4 get turbid, which is not desired.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Foaming Behavior of fatty alcohol surfactants MCO-FAS PKO/CNO-FAS (1 g AM/l, pH 5.5, (1 g AM/l, pH 5.5, SITA Foam Expert 15 C., 0 dH, 15 C., 0 dH, Results 18 10 s at 1300 rpm) 18 10 s at 1300 rpm) Maximum Foam Volume 998 ml +/ 2 ml 986 ml +/ 18 ml Time to max foam 90 s 170 s Form Formation 39 s 51 s Half Time

[0365] Table 3 shows that the MCO-FAS and PKO/CNO-FAS achieve a comparable maximum foam volume, but the MCO-FAS achieves this max volume much quicker. Thus, the flash foam behavior of the MCO-FAS is better.