Quantification of Seed Oil Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Jatropha cucas L. from Guizhou, China

Abstract

<p class="1Body">The methyl esters of fatty acids composition of the oil from <em>jatropha curcas</em> seeds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer GC-MS. Fourteen components were found to be representative with 99.52% of the total content of seed oils. The main constituents were unsaturated fatty acids (71.93%) and saturated fatty acids (27.59%). For the saturated fatty acids composition such as palmitic and stearic acid, the rate was 15.80% and 10.79%, respectively. Linoleic acid (39.58%) and oleic acid (30.41%) were obtained in highest concentration among the unsaturated fatty acids identified in the seeds oil of <em>Jatropha curcas</em> from Guizhou. This value also justifies the fluidity of the oil at room temperature. A high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (39.58%) and a slightly lower rate of monounsaturated fatty acids (32.35%) were also observed. The seed oils profile of Guizhou <em>Jatropha curcas</em> presents the desirable fatty acid C14 to C18 and interesting features for the biodiesel production.</p>