OCCURRENCE OF TRANS-9-TRANS-12-OCTADECADIENOIC ACID AS A SEED OIL COMPONENT

Abstract

trans-9-trans-12-Octadecadienoic acid was found to be a component of the glyceride oil of the seeds of Chilopsis linearis (Cav.) Sweet. It was isolated by fractional crystallization of the acids at low temperatures and removal of conjugated acids as their adducts with maleic anhydride. Identification was made by absorption spectra and by preparation of derivatives and degradative products. The acid is estimated to constitute about 15% of the total fatty acids of the oil. Linoleic acid was also identified.