This study focused on synthesizing fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from Krabok (Irvingia malayana) seed oil via transesterification for use as the primary ingredient in herbal massage oil production. Optimal conditions included 5 wt.% of KOH catalyst compared to the oil weight, 15:1 molar ratio of ethanol to Krabok seed oil, 60 min for reaction time and reaction temperature of 78 ± 3 °C, resulting in FAEE yields as high as 99.83 ± 0.17 %. Analysis using FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC techniques revealed FAEE as ester-type compounds, primarily comprising lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), constituting 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids and 3 wt.% unsaturated fatty acids. Physicochemical properties indicated clear yellow liquids with viscosity of 1.73 ± 0.03 cSt/s, density of 0.8199 ± 0.0049 g/cm3, cloud point of +4 °C, and pour point of –1 °C. Acid value, free fatty acid content, iodine value, water content and oxidation stability were measured at 0.703 ± 0.001 mg KOH/g of oil, 0.354 ± 0.001 wt.%, 0.59 ± 0.04 g I2/100 g of oil, 1482.3 ± 6.15 ppm, and greater than 12 h, respectively. When the synthesized FAEE was used to produce herbal massage oil products, the results showed that the herbal massage oil products were characterized as a clear yellow liquid with no sediment, low viscosity, and pH in the range of 5 - 6, meeting standard criteria. Thus, FAEE derived from Krabok seed oil is suitable as a primary ingredient for herbal massage oil production, enhancing the value of local resources within the community. HIGHLIGHTS Under optimal conditions of 5 wt.% KOH catalyst, 15:1 ethanol to oil ratio, 60 min at 78 ± 3 °C, FAEE was synthesized from Krabok seed oil for herbal massage oil, yielding 99.83 ± 0.17 %. FAEE, identified via FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and GC, comprises 97 wt.% saturated fatty acids (lauric acid and myristic acid) and 3 wt.% unsaturated. The herbal massage oil derived from FAEE as the primary ingredient meets clarity, low viscosity, and pH 5 - 6 standards. FAEE from Krabok seed oil enhances the value of local resources. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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