Fatty acids ofLindera umbellata and other Lauraceae seed oils

Seed kernel oils of seven species of Lauraceae were examined and the fatty acid composition of six of these was determined. The oil ofLindera umbellata had 4% ofcis-4-decenoic, 47% ofcis-4-dodecenoic, and 5% ofcis-4-tetradecenoic acid in the total fatty acids. Positive identification of these acids was made and new derivatives were prepared. Possible routes of biosynthesis are discussed.Oils from the other species did not contain more than a trace of unsaturated C(10)-C(14) acids. Their major acids were capric and lauric with varying amounts of unsaturated C(18) acids.