Exploring Gmelina arborea Leaves for Biofuels and Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical Feedstocks
H. Ibrahim *
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
S. Ayilara
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
K. O. Nwanya
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
A. S. Zanna
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
O. B. Adegbola
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
D. C. Nwakuba
Renewable Energy Division, National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
An investigation was carried on the chemical constituents of Gmelina arborea leaves by hydrolyzing the pulverized dry leaves with 3% sulphuric acid solution at 100°C for 30 minutes. The extract on analysis with GCMS yielded 31 compounds. The major components of the extract include; 5-methul furfural 13.024%, 5-hydroxyl methyl furfural 7.548%, 2-furan methanol 22.728%, 6-methyl-3-pyridazinone 3.256%, o-hydroxyphenol 2.704%, p-hydoxyphenol 4.4%, m-hydroxyphenol 3.048%, levoglucosenone 7.576%, levoglucosan 3.26%, 4-Altrosan 1.63%, 1,6-Anhydro-.beta.-d-talopyranose 1.63% and D-Allose 1.63%. Biorefinary processes of Gmelina arborea will be capable of replacing petroleum products in future. The plant leaves have feedstocks for pharmaceutical, agro-industries and others.
Keywords: Biofuels, explore, Gmelina arborea, leaves, petrochemical, pharmaceutical