Isolation and characterization of methyl caprylate from virgin coconut oil (VCO)

Caprylic acid is a medium length fatty acid with many potential applications, from bioherbicides to dietary supplements. It was found as a minor constituent of coconut oil and palm kernel oil fatty acids. This study prepared isolated methyl caprylate from virgin coconut oil (VCO) using low pressured fractionated distillation and review its potency as a by-product of Lauric acids production. Neutralized VCO was esterified using basic catalyzed transesterification reaction producing methyl esters of mixed fatty acids. Low pressured fractionated distillation of methyl esters was performed using temperature of 80-120°C, 120-130°C, and 130-150°C. This process produced three fractions of distillates with a volume ratio of 21:19:1, respectively. Gas chromatography analysis using a flame ionization detector confirmed the first fraction of distillates as methyl caprylate.