Synthesis and characterization of azidated Adenopus breviflorus benth seed oil

ABSTRACT

Azidation of plant seed oils was re-investigated using methods reported in the literature, to re-examine if triacylglycerol backbone, important for maintaining biodegradability in plant oil products is retained in the final azidated oil. Reaction of NaN₃ with epoxidized Adenopus breviflorus oil (EADBO) using NH₄Cl as catalyst (Method A), gave acidolysis products and mixture of products containing triacylglycerol backbone. Reaction of EADBO with NaN₃ in water using an ionic liquid, 1-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (Hmim]BF₄ ^?), as catalyst (Method B), generated a product containing only triacylglycerol backbone while product of reaction of EADBO with NaN₃ in DMF, using Hmim]BF₄ ^? catalyst (Method C) gave highest yield but did not contain any triacylglycerol backbone. Thus, Method B was best for environmentally friendliness of its azidated product. Azido compounds generally prepared from petrochemicals may now be prepared from plant oil source using method B for preparation of biodegradable vicinal hydroxyl triglyceride which is very versatile in surfactant industries.