Extraction and utilization of Afzelia africana seed oil

Afzelia africana seed oil was extracted by soxhlet. The percentage yield of the oil was calculated as 25•80 ± 2•0. The saponification value, iodine value, acid value, free fatty acid, specific gravity and mean molecular mass were determined to assess the quality of the oil. The iodine value showed that the oil is a semi-drying oil; while the saponification value, acid value, free fatty acid and specific gravity proved that the oil has low acidity, needs little purification and has a long shelf-life. The mean molecular mass suggested that it is not highly unsaturated. The iodine value further suggests that the oil is similar to dehydrated castor oil. The oil was found to be useful for the formulation of alkyd resin and shoe polish.