Abstract

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISATION OF FATTY ACID METHYL ESTER FROM CUCURBITA MIXTA (PUMPKIN) SEED OIL

Shobha Borhade

Abstract

of Cucurbita mixta (Pumpkin), contains 46 % of oil. The seed oil of Cucurbita mixta (Pumpkin) contain 45% alpha-linolenic ( omega-3 fatty acid ) & 10 % linoleic ( omega-6 fatty acid ) . Seed oil was extracted by n-hexane . pumpkin seed oil contain 19.08 % protein,27.06 % carbohydrates and 5.02 % fibre.The fatty acids present in the seed oil is necessary to apply for transesterification to convert fatty acid methyl ester. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is created through an alkali catalyzed reaction between fats or fatty acids and methanol. In the transesterification of fatty acids, the carboxyl group of an acid and the hydroxyl group of an alcohol are condensed. This makes the fatty acids methyl ester . Now FAME excellent for stability as samples for analysis. Transesterification is a general term used to indicate the direct conversion of triacylglycerols lipids by alcohols to alkyl esters without first isolating the free fatty acids (FFA). The alkaline catalyst, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), was used in the methanolysis of Cucurbita mixta (Pumpkin) seed oil. Physico-chemical properties of FAME of Cucurbita mixta (Pumpkin) seed oil was studied .Fatty acid methyl ester was characterized by UV, IR & HPLC.

Keywords: Cucurbita mixta (Pumpkin) seed oil, Transesterification, fatty acids, Instrumental Analytical techniques.