Na2SiO3-Catalyzed Glycerolysis of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) Oil into Di- and Monoacylglycerols

Direct glycerolysis of novel edible Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seed oil (PvLO) into diacylglycerols (DAG) and monoacylglycerols (MAG) was studied over solid Na₂SiO₃ with or without microwave assistance. The glycerolysis yield was calculated by qualitative and semiquantitative analyses of ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and FT-IR spectra. The yields of ~33% 1, 3-DAG, ~16% 1, 2-DAG, ~40% 1-MAG, and ~2.3% 2-MAG were achieved after 16 hours at 120 °C in three consecutive cycles using acetone, with an interesterification rate of 92%. The modified oil showed enhanced gelation ability at low temperatures. The yield of 1, 2-DAG can be increased by adding acetone as solvent. The fatty acid compositions and unsaturated structure of lipids were less destroyed after alkaline glycerolysis. However, more α-linolenic and linoleic acids were transferred to the sn-2 position of glyceryl skeleton. The oxidative stability of the modified oil was still controllable. In summary, this work provides a feasible method to convert polyunsaturated plant oils into oils rich in DAG and MAG with less destructive impact on the olefinic structure of oil. Also, it provides a useful example of how to quickly evaluate the influence of chemical modification on the chemical structure of plant oils by using various spectral technologies.