Exploring Gmelina arborea Leaves for Biofuels and Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical Feedstocks

An investigation was carried on the chemical constituents of Gmelina arborea leaves by hydrolyzing the pulverized dry leaves with 3% sulphuric acid solution at 100°C for 30 minutes. The extract on analysis with GCMS yielded 31 compounds. The major components of the extract include; 5-methul furfural 13.024%, 5-hydroxyl methyl furfural 7.548%, 2-furan methanol 22.728%, 6-methyl-3-pyridazinone 3.256%, o-hydroxyphenol 2.704%, p-hydoxyphenol 4.4%, m-hydroxyphenol 3.048%, levoglucosenone 7.576%, levoglucosan 3.26%, 4-Altrosan 1.63%, 1,6-Anhydro-.beta.-d-talopyranose 1.63% and D-Allose 1.63%. Biorefinary processes of Gmelina arborea will be capable of replacing petroleum products in future. The plant leaves have feedstocks for pharmaceutical, agro-industries and others.