Process for the preparation of fatty alcohols

Higher fatty alcohols are obtained by reacting the corresponding fatty acids with an excess of methanol in the presence of a catalyst comprising one or more metals or metallic compounds having a hydrogenating catalytic activity at a temperature above 200 DEG C. and a pressure above 300 atm., so that both the water formed by the reaction between the acid and the methanol, and at least part of the excess methanol are decomposed to yield active hydrogen which reduces the fatty acid to the corresponding fatty alcohol. The "higher fatty alcohols" referred to are those containing from 6 to 24 carbon atoms. Suitable catalysts are, for example, copper, zinc, cadmium and iron or their oxides and they may be used alone or with a promoter such as chromium or chromium oxide. In an example tallow fatty acids and methanol are passed through a tube containing active carbon impregnated with salts of chromium and zinc at 320-325 DEG C. and a pressure of 350 atm. to give a mixture of higher alcohols.