Extraction and characterization of oils from three Mexican Jatropha species

Abstract

The composition of seed oil of three endemic Mexican species of Jatropha is described. Oils were analyzed through the formation of their corresponding methyl esters and their yield and composition were found to be close to that of the oil of Jatropha curcas L. The results show that the three species studied are potential sources of biofuels and therefore are promising alternative crops for biodiesel production in the arid regions of Mexico. © 2010, Sociedad Química de México.