Oil Extraction from Edible Oilseeds; Irvingia gabonensis, Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis and Evaluation in Metallic Soap Preparation

The extraction of oils from Irvingia gabonensis, Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis in organic solvents was carried out. Oil compositional analysis was done with Gas Chromatography (GC), results revealed varying compositions of fatty acids as major constituents of the produced oils. Oil of Irvingia gabonensis was mainly saturated whereas those of Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis were mainly unsaturated. The produced oils were applied in the production of metallic soaps. Oils of Citrullus lanalus and Telferia occidentalis showed high affinity to copper over zinc and nickel as indicated in high metallic content of the metal in the soap. Irvingia gabonensis seeds oil showed low affinity for metallic soap production which could be due to high saturation of fatty acid. Comprehensive and comparable analysis of the physiochemical properties of the oils from individual seeds showed different characteristics which is indicative of potential applications. From results of analysis extracted oils of Citrullus lanatus and Telferia occidentalis seeds have potentials for metallic soap preparation while Irvingia gabonensis have potential for other applications.