Synthesis and characterization of copper metal soaps from Thevetia peruviana and Hura crepitans seed oils

Thevetia peruviana (TP) and Hura crepitans (HC) seed oils with 73 and 65% unsaturation, respectively as analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) chromatogram were used for the synthesis of copper metal salt. The sodium carboxylate (soluble soap) prepared from the oils by saponifying with sodium hydroxide were reacted with solution of copper salt to produce the metal soaps. The yield was encouraging ranging from 60 to 65%. The progress of the reaction was monitored and confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The difference in absorption frequencies of the FTIR spectra of the oils and their corresponding soaps indicates their production. Confirming it further, the appearance of the characteristic peaks of 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR of the metallic soaps affirm the synthesis of these compounds. The seeds are thus good sources of raw materials (oleochemicals) for the production of valuable industrial and domestic products.