<b>Ethylmethyldioxirane epoxidation of <i>Plukenetia cononophora</i> oil</b>

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, OxoneTM can be said to be an inexpensive oxidant that is easily handled and with demonstrated utility in preparing epoxidised oils from natural triglycerides.

Keywords

• <i>Plukenetia conophora</i> oil
• Epoxidation
• Ethylmethyldioxirane
• Oxone^TM