摘要:
The invention provides a process comprising treating a lanolin fatty acid with boric acid to convert hydroxy fatty acids therein to boric acid esters, subjecting the reaction mixture to vacuum distillation to fractionate the boric acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids from non-hydroxy fatty acids, hydrolyzing the boric acid esters, and subjecting the hydrolysate to vacuum distillation to provide .alpha.-hydroxy fatty acids and .omega.-hydroxy fatty acids, the resultant respective lanolin fatty acids and esters, and cosmetic products and drug products for external use containing them.According to the invention, pale-colored, substantially odor-free lanolin fatty acids can be obtained easily and with high efficiency and these compounds can be effectively utilized in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic field.