Magonia pubescens (Sapindaceae) Seed Oil: Physical and Chemical Properties, Fatty Acid Profile and Biodiesel Production

Magonia pubescens is a tree species originally from the Brazilian Cerrado that bears fruit with winged
seeds from which fixed oil can be extracted. This study analyzed the physical and chemical properties
of the oil extracted from these seeds and the biodiesel produced thereof. Methods from the Adolfo
Lutz Institute, American Oil Chemists Society and American Society for Testing and Materials were
used. Seven fatty acids (oleic, arachidic, gadoleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, linoleic and stearic acids)
were found in the oil. Acidity level (1.119 mg KOH·g-1), iodine value (77.36 cg I2·g-1), saponification
value (133.36 mg KOH·g-1), density (0.8796 g·cm-3) and refractive index (1.3348nD) were low when
compared to the high peroxide value (26.14 meq·kg-1), viscosity (101.46 mm²·s-¹) and moisture
(0.88%) of other oils and fats used for biodiesel production. Biodiesel showed density (0.8484 g·cm-3),
viscosity (29.62 mm-2·s-1), acidity level (0.752 mg KOH·g-1) and saponification value (148.89 mg
KOH·g-1).