Fatty acid profile of seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) seed oil and properties of the methyl esters

In recent literature, seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos; also known previously as Kosteletzkya virginica) seed oil was reported as a potential alternative feedstock for biodiesel. In the present work, the fatty acid profile of K. pentacarpos is shown to correspond to that of other plants in the Malvaceae family by containing approximately 6% fatty acids with cyclic moieties, namely malvalic acid as well as dihydrosterculic acid. Previously determined properties of biodiesel from seashore mallow are discussed under the aspect of the fatty acid profile. The H-1- and C-13-NMR spectra of K. pentacarpos methyl esters, which confirm the fatty acid profile, are also discussed. Practical applications: This article discusses the fatty acid profile of the seed oils of Kosteletzkya species. This is significant for evaluating potential applications of these oils. This is demonstrated by evaluating biodiesel fuel properties from the results.