Two approaches in preparation for cogeneration α‐tocopherol and biodiesel from cottonseed

Abstract

A two-step process and a direct alkaline transesterification process in preparation for cogeneration˛-tocopherol and biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters, FAME) from cottonseeds were studied in this article. The effects of some factors on recovery of˛-tocopherol and conversion of cottonseed oil (triacylglycerols, TAGs) to biodiesel in the two processes were systematically studied by single factor experiments and orthogonal design method. In the two-step process,˛-tocopherol and biodiesel were produced from extraction with two-phase solvent followed by base-catalysed transesterification. Approximately 95.5% TAGs was converted into biodiesel, and 1.008 mg/g (wet basis)˛-tocopherol was detected on the condition: 1:3 petroleum ether/methanol volume rate, 40 • C extraction temperature; 7:1 methanol/cottonseed oil molar ratio, 1.1% KOH (w/v) concentration in methanol and 60 • C esterification temperature. And in the direct alkaline transesterification reaction, 98.3% conversion of TAGs and 0.986 mg/g content of˛-tocopherol could be achieved at 60 • C in 2 h. Both of the two processes were feasible from the economic point of view for further utilisation of cottonseed.

Hydrogenation of Cottonseed Oil with Nickel, Palladium and Platinum Catalysts

“…The refined oil has a clear, light golden color and a mild taste with a relatively high smoke point (*232°C). It is also relatively high in tocopherols which contribute to its thermal stability [2,3]. In the United States, 56% of cottonseed oil is used as a salad oil in mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, and marinades, 36% as a shortening and cooking oil for baking and frying, and a small amount in margarine and other uses [1].…”