Extraction of oil from groundnut seeds using three different extractive solvents (methanol, acetone and n-hexane)

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The extraction of oil from groundnut seeds using various solvents such as methanol, acetone, and n-hexane was investigated in this study. The aim was to compare the efficiency of these solvents in extracting oil from groundnut seeds and to determine the quality of the extracted oil. The extraction process was carried out using a Soxhlet apparatus, and the oil yield, fatty acid composition, and physicochemical properties of the extracted oils were analyzed. The results showed that n-hexane had the highest oil yield compared to methanol and acetone. However, the fatty acid composition of the oils extracted using methanol and acetone showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health. In terms of physicochemical properties, the oils extracted using acetone had lower peroxide values and higher smoke points compared to oils extracted using methanol and n-hexane. Overall, the study demonstrated that the choice of solvent for oil extraction from groundnut seeds can significantly impact the oil yield, fatty acid composition, and quality of the extracted oil. While n-hexane resulted in the highest oil yield, methanol and acetone produced oils with better fatty acid profiles and physicochemical properties. Therefore, the selection of the extractive solvent should be based on the desired quality of the extracted oil and its intended use. Further research could focus on optimizing extraction conditions and investigating the potential health benefits of oils extracted using different solvents.