Kinetics of saponification of <i>Treculia africana</i> oil using a locally sourced alkaline

Abstract

The investigation on the saponification of Treculia africana (breadfruit) oil using a locally obtained alkaline (Ngu) extracted from the burnt female inflorescence of oil palm bunch using kinetic approach proved successful and showed a high probability of producing good quality toilet soap. The result obtained revealed that the reaction is essentially first order, with respect to the caustic alkaline (KOH) derived from Ngu. The reaction constant averaged 0.0695 minutes-1 and reaction tended to completion on the average of 30 minutes, with a half-life of 9.96 minutes. The reaction rate was substantially influenced by the various concentrations of the Ngu as the saponification time-rate approached maximum with the highest concentration of Ngu. The soap produced from the sample was milky and soft and lathered well. The texture could be improved or hardened if necessary.

Keywords: Treculia africana, oil, caustic alkaline, Ngu, saponification

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(1): 85-91, 2010