Identification and characterization of the percentage chemical compositions present in oil extracts from two pumpkin cultivars using GCMSD

Abstract

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Detector (GCMSD) is a method used for the identification and characterization of the chemical constituents/ composition of the oil seeds so as to know the benefit of the oil seeds usage in the area of human consumption and production of soaps, lubricant and paint. This study focused on the identification and characterization of the chemical compositions (using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer Detector) present in oil extracts from two pumpkin cultivars- Ugba (Telfairiapedata) and Ugwu (Telfairia occidentalis) using two methods, soaking and soxhlet apparatus. The solvent used for the soxhlet extraction was petroleum ether. The identification and characterization of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile was determined by using GCMS. The transesterification process was done using 10g of methanol with 1g of KOH with the two cultivars. The results revealed higher percentage of Methylpalmitate (Palmitic Acid) and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) (Linoleic Acid) and Methyl Ester (Stearic Acid) are present in all samples. These compounds are useful in ceramic, cosmetics, paint and health sector.