The chemistry of seed oils: With particular reference to oils containing hydroxy and/or epoxy acids

Abstract

Part I. Study of Fatty Oils Containing Epoxy and/or Hydroxy Acids An analytical procedure has been devised for the analysis of oils containing epoxy and/or hydroxy acids, and this has been applied to the examination of Vernonia anthelmintica. Cenhalocroton cordofanus and Strophanthua hispidus seed oils, and to Ergot oil. The unusual acid present in C, cordofanus seed oil hat been shown to be cis-12: 13-eponroctaclec-cis-9-enoic acid, identical With the acid in V. anthelmintica seed oil, and not ricinoleic acid as previously reported. The hydroxy acid, present in Irgot oil has been shown to be, identical with natural ricinoleic acid, Attempts have been made to improve the method of determination of α-dihydroxy acids in oils and fats by periodate oxidation. Part II. The Preparation of Eight 9:10:12:13-Tetrahydroxysteario, Acids. The availability of cis-12: 13-epoxyoctadeo-cis-8-enolc acid has opened a new Way for the preparation of 9:10:12:13- tetrahydroxysteario acids, hitherto prepared from linoleic acid. The epoxyoleic acid has been converted to threo- and erythro- 12:13-dihydroxyoctadec-cis-9-enoic acids and these on oxidation with either dilute alkaline potassium permanganate or with performic acid affords 9:10:12:13-teirahydroxysteario acids, Eight tetrahydroxysteario acids have thus been prepared, and these, like the stating materials are optically active.