Component fatty acids of some cruciferae oils

Summary The oils from yellow mustard seed ( Brassica alba ), black mustard seed ( Brassica nigra ) of Indian origin, and rapeseed ( Brassica Compestris ) of unknown origin have been analyzed for their fatty acid composition without preliminary resolution of fatty acids by lead‐salt‐alcohol or fractional crystallization methods. The results compare very favorably with those determined by other recently developed methods. It may be concluded therefore that this method can be favorably employed for the determination of fatty acid composition of fats containing higher unsaturated acids. Confirmatory evidence has been obtained for the presence of eicosenoic acid in rapeseed oil. The nature and amount of fatty acids of yellow mustard seed oil of Indian origin do not differ in any significant manner from those of other cruciferous seed oils. The present analysis of black mustard seed oil reveals a higher amount of linolenic acid, and the presence of a C 20 monoethenoid acid, not heretofore reported.