Chemical Analysis of Some Selected Indigenous Fats and Oils

Abstract

This study analyzed some chemical properties of selected indigenous fats and oils sources in order to justify their usage in soap production. The iodine value, which helps in finding the adulteration in a fat or oil and judging its suitability for making soap, was determined for the selected fats and oils were found to be 43.3 I₂/100g in animal fat 82.6 I₂/100g in groundnut oil, 104.3 I₂/100g in sesame oil and 55.3 I₂/100g in shea nut oil. The values obtained for other parameters such as saponification and acid values also revealed the justification of the use of the selected fats and oils for soap making.    

Keywords: Fats, oils and soap making, iodine value, saponification value, acid value