Hi folks! I am interested in making neatsfoot oil from my deer feet and legs. Before I begin this project, I need to know how (recipe)for making pure neatsfoot oil into sulphated neatsfoot oil for tanning. I took chemistry in high school and college if that matters. Seems like wildcrafters might know something about this. My next stop, should this site not pan out for this question, is going to be the chemistry clubs at universities. Thanks!

I think I have this figured out. What I am going to try is pouring, slowly while stirring, sulphuric acid into neatsfoot oil. As I stir it I am going to see what happens. When I think the right thing has happened, I am going to slowly stir a strong salt brine into the solution. I understand what is on top will be sulphonated neatsfoot oil. No, I will not add anyone onto my life insurance policy. If anyone knows something different please let me know before I turn my wife into a widow.

Lol, I’d like to hear how it works. Sulfuric acid is nasty stuff. It can get very hot when mixing so make sure the container is up to the task and very oversized. Splash proof certified goggles, rubber gloves, and at least a good rubber or plastic apron are a must. Also, a water source like a hose at the ready is imperative. Definitely an outside experiment for ventilation. Good luck.

Make sure you have a good amount of soda ash available when working around sulfuric acid.

Ok...I believe a mol to mol ratio is what is required. I am going to use a mol of beef fat as a model because I have no idea what a mol of neatsfoot oil weighs. I am going to make it a little on the oil rich side and use the entire amount because I understand sulfuric acid and h2o don't get along.