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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #244621
Title: Estolides from Coriander Fatty Acids

Author
item Cermak, Steven - Steve
item Isbell, Terry

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2009
Publication Date: 11/15/2009
Citation: Cermak, S.C., Isbell, T. 2009. Estolides from Coriander Fatty Acids [abstract]. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference. p. 14.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a new crop that is currently being investigated for cultivation in Central Illinois by USDA-NCAUR. Coriander is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and indigenous to the Mediterranean basin areas and the Near East. This plant is widely distributed and mainly cultivated for its seeds, which are used for different purposes (food, drugs, and cosmetics). Coriander seed oil is rich in an unusual fatty acid, the petroselinic acid (C18:1, n-12), which composes as much as 85% of the total fatty acid. The fresh green leaves of coriander, commonly known as cilantro, are widely featured on restaurant menus in China, Mexico, South America, India, and Southeast Asia. The development of a new crop often depends on the synthesis of novel compounds. Estolides are one such derivative of new crop oils which show promise in industrial applications. Estolides are formed when the carboxylic acid functionality of one fatty acid links to the site of unsaturation of another fatty acid to form esters. Estolides were derived from coriander fatty acids and various other fatty acids in the presence of an acid catalyst at 60 deg C for 24 h. The free acid estolides were then esterified to the 2-ethylhexyl esters under standard conditions. These new estolide esters were converted to their corresponding hydroxy fatty acid and the degrees of polymerization were determined by GC analysis. Physical properties (pour points, cloud points and viscosities) of the coriander estolide esters were compared to previously synthesized homo-estolides and coco-estolides, which have current industrial applications. These new estolides show promise as a cheap, alternative bio-based material.