Separation and identification of ximenynic acid isomers in the seed oil ofSantalum spicatum R.Br. as their 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives

The seed oil ofSantalum spicatum contains a significant amount of ximenynic acid,trans-11-octadecen-9-ynoic acid, a long-chain acetylenic fatty acid, as a major component (34%). The identity oftrans-ximenynic acid was confirmed after isolation by ultraviolet, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H- and13C-) spectroscopy and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Thecis isomer of ximenynic acid was also found (<1%) in some samples. Thecis andtrans isomers were characterized by GC/MS comparison of their methyl esters and 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives.