Edition: BP 2025 (Ph. Eur. 11.6 update)
DEFINITION
Fatty oil obtained from the seeds of Helianthus annuus L. by mechanical expression or by extraction. It is then refined. A suitable antioxidant may be added.
CHARACTERS
Appearance
Clear, light yellow liquid.
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water and in ethanol (96 per cent), miscible with light petroleum (bp: 40-60 °C).
Relative density
About 0.921.
Refractive index
About 1.474.
IDENTIFICATION
Identification of fatty oils by thin-layer chromatography (2.3.2).
Results The chromatogram obtained is similar to the corresponding chromatogram shown in Figure 2.3.2.-1.
TESTS
Acid value (2.5.1)
Maximum 0.5, determined on 10.0 g.
Peroxide value (2.5.5, Method A)
Maximum 10.0.
Unsaponifiable matter (2.5.7)
Maximum 1.5 per cent, determined on 5.0 g.
Alkaline impurities (2.4.19)
It complies with the test.
Composition of fatty acids (2.4.22, Method A)
Use the mixture of calibrating substances in Table 2.4.22.-3.
Composition of the fatty-acid fraction of the oil:
— palmitic acid: 4.0 per cent to 9.0 per cent,
— stearic acid: 1.0 per cent to 7.0 per cent,
— oleic acid: 14.0 per cent to 40.0 per cent,
— linoleic acid: 48.0 per cent to 74.0 per cent.
Water (2.5.32)
Maximum 0.1 per cent, determined on 1.00 g.
STORAGE
In an airtight, well-filled container, protected from light.
LABELLING
The label states whether the oil is obtained by mechanical expression or by extraction.
