3.1. Squalene/FFA fractionation from neutralized model mixture
Due to their inherent economical value and to the reported dif-
ficulties in their fractionation [1,4–6], the two main compounds in
the OODD mixture that require more intensive fractionation studies
are squalene and FFA. Thus, fractionation experiments were
firstly carried out using a model mixture of 50% (w/w) of squalene
and oleic acid. This mixture was subjected to a reaction with choline
hydrogen carbonate for 1–1.5 h at 323 K, as previously
described. Gas liberation was observed immediately, confirming
that neutralization of FFA was effectively taking place, since carbon