Physicochemical properties, total phenol and tocopherol of some Acacia seed oils

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been an increase in the number of investigations into the possible use of vegetable oils as a source of oleochemicals to supplement petrochemicals. We have therefore determined the physicochemical properties of Acacia oils and compared them with groundnut oil as a first step toward their possible industrial utilization. RESULTS: The chemical properties of Acacia oils compared well and surpassed those of groundnut oil in iodine value (1549.3, 1783.3 and 1093.1 g iodine kg(-1) oil for A. colei, A. tumida and groundnut oils, respectively), saponification value (201.74, 202.15 and 198.01 g KOH kg(-1) oil for A. colei, A. tumida and groundnut oils, respectively). Total phenol and tocopherol content of Acacia oils were also higher compared with groundnut oil. Refractive index, specific gravity and viscosity were higher in Acacia seed oils than in groundnut oil but the smoke point of Acacia oil was lower than that of groundnut oil. Acacia oils were higher in some essential elements (Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu) when compare with groundnut oil. CONCLUSION: The properties of Acacia oils revealed that they could be useful as drying oils, in soap making and as lubricants at low temperatures. They could also be dietary sources of natural antioxidants and essential elements. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.