Extraction, analysis and utilization of a drying-oil from Tetracarpidium conophorum

Tetracarpidium conophorum (conophor) is known in the southern Nigeria as Ukpa (Igbo) and serves as an edible nut eaten in-between meals. It serves no other use. The golden yellow oil extracted from this nut by solvent extraction has been shown to be a rapidly drying oil. The yield was calculated as 48–52%. The acid value and free fatty acid values indicated that the oil has a fairly low acidity, and thus is in a high state of purity. The iodine value was quite high, comparing very well with those of linseed oil, and perilla oil which are drying oils. The UV–vis absorbance at 400 nm was consistent with the golden yellow colour. The infra-red spectrum suggested on oil in a high state of purity and the ester functional group at 1746.20 cm−1 was quite characteristic. The oil was useful in the formulation of stand oil, vulcanized oil for rubber and leather substitutes. It was also used in formulating a wood varnish