Ethylmethyldioxirane epoxidation of Plukenetia cononophora oil

Abstract

Epoxidation of Plukenetia conophora oil by ethylmethyldioxirane has been studied. The epoxidation reaction was best accomplished using the Curci’s biphasic method employing 2-butanone as the solvent. Spectroscopic techniques (IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR) indicated complete conversion of double bonds to epoxy groups. Overall, Oxone^TM can be said to be an inexpensive oxidant that is easily handled and with demonstrated utility in preparing epoxidised oils from natural triglycerides.

KEY WORDS: Plukenetia conophora oil, Epoxidation, Ethylmethyldioxirane, Oxone^TM

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2007, 21(1), 95-102.