Study on the oxidative rate and prooxidant activity of free fatty acids

Oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids were autoxidized more rapidly than their corresponding methyl esters. Addition of stearic acid accelerated the rate of autoxidation of methyl linoleate and the decomposition of methyl linoleate hydroperoxides. Therefore, the higher oxidative rate of FFA’s than their methyl esters could be due to the catalytic effect of the carboxyl groups on the formation of free radicals by the decomposition of hydroperoxides. Addition of stearic acid also accelerated the oxidative rate of soybean oil. This result suggests that particular attention should be paid to the FFA content that affects the oxidative stability of oils.