The component acids and glycerides of pentaclethra (Leguminosae) and lophira (Ochnaceae) seed fats

The seed fats of these West African species of plants contain 15–20% of saturated acids (mainly behenic or lignoceric) of higher molecular weight than stearic acid; the unsaturated acids are confined to oleic and linoleic in varying proportions. The composition of the mixed glycerides in the fats conforms closely to the usual ‘evenly‐distributed’ type. Although the fats are probably capable of use as supplementary sources of edible fats, the presence in appreciable proportions of behenic and/or lignoceric acid is disadvantageous either for edible purposes or, more especially, for soap making. In a specimen of deteriorated seed fat from Lophira alata, it was observable that the behenic acid present had proved relatively resistant to enzyme action.