Extraction and Characterization of Cottonseed (Gossypium) Oil

This study investigated the extraction and characterization of cottonseed oil using solvent extraction method. Normal hexane was used asolvent in the extraction process. The AOAC method of Analysis was employed i n the determination of the chemical, physical and proximate compositions of the oil. The chemical properties of the oil determined include the saponification va lue, free fatty acid, iodine value, peroxide value and acid value. The physical propert ies of the oil determined are viscosity, specific gravity, refractive index, color, odor, taste and pH. The values obtained are Saponification value (189mgKOH/g), fre e fatty acid (5.75mgKOH/g), iodine value (94.7gI/100g), peroxide value (9.25mEq/kg) and acid value (11.50mgKOH/g). The proximate compositio ns obtained are Carbohydrate (57.06%), lipid/fat (13.30%), crude fi ber (0.5%), ash (1.5%), moisture content (7.21%), and crude protein (15.40% ). The oil yield was 15.05%. From the results obtained it can be seen that cotto nseed oil has great potential for use as domestic and industrial oil.