ABSTRACT
This study investigated the physicochemical and calorific properties of solvent-extracted seed oil from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (sweet orange). Sweet orange seeds were collected from Benin City, Nigeria and the oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with petroleum ether as the solvent. The extracted oil was analyzed for viscosity, density, specific gravity, acid value, pH, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, percentage yield, free fatty acids, and calorific value. The results showed the oil had a moderate viscosity of 1.22 Kg/cm at 26°C, a density of 0.807 g/cm3, and a specific gravity of 1.43 at 25°C. The acid value was 2.62 mgKOH/g, indicating a low level of free fatty acids. The pH was 9.71, suggesting a slightly alkaline nature. Other key values were saponification value 188.6 mgKOH/g, iodine value 98.4 g/100g, peroxide value 8.62 meq/kg, 50% yield, 2.27% free fatty acids, and calorific value 877.88 Kcal/g. These properties point to potential applications in cosmetics, biofuels, and lubricants for the C. sinensis seed oil. Further research is recommended to optimize extraction and investigate specific industrial uses for this currently underutilized seed oil.
