This research investigates the fatty acid composition of coconut and palm kernel oils with a specific focus on identifying the position of lauric acid within the molecular structure. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we present a detailed analysis of the fatty acid profiles in these oils. The identification of lauric acid's positional isomers contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular characteristics of these widely used tropical oils. The findings provide valuable insights for industries dependent on the properties of lauric acid and contribute to the broader knowledge of lipid chemistry.

Fatty Acid Composition, Lauric Acid, Coconut Oil

Y.C.E. Silalahi,“Fatty Acid Composition and Identification of the Position of Palmitic Acid in Some Animaland Vegetable Oils”,Theses. Universitas Sumatera Utara,Medan, Indonesia,2011.

J. J. Kabara, D. M. Swieczkowski, A. J. Conley, and J. P. Truant, “Fatty Acids and Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents,” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, vol. 2, no.1, pp. 23–28, Jul. 1972.

S.D. Conrado, “Coconut Oil In Health And Disease: Its And Monolaurin’s Potential As Cure For HIV/AIDS”,Cocotech Meeting Chennai,2000

N. Sari, “Effect of Giving Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Immunohistochemical Profile ofAntioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in Kidney Mellitus Mice Tissue”,Theses.Institut Pertanian Bogor, Indonesia. 2009.

M.G. Enig, “Health and Nutritional Benefits from Coconut Oil: An Important Functional Food for the 21stCentury”. AVOC Lauric Oil Symposium. Ho Chi Min City. Vietnam. 1996.

6. J. Silalahi,D.Pertiwi,A.Dalmuthe, and Y.C.E. Silalahi, “Effect of Acute Consumption of Coconut Oil and Palm Oil on Swimming Capacity Endurance of Mice (Mus musculus)”. Int J Pharm Tech Res, vol.8, no.9, pp.55-59. 2015.

7. J. Silalahi, J., M.P. Yade,D.Effendy,“Antibacterial Activity of Hydrolyzed VirginCoconut Oil”,Asian J Pharm Clin Res, vol. 7, no.2, pp. 90-94. 2014

8. F.S. Luong,J.Silalahi,D. Suryanto, “Antibacterial Activity of Enzymatic Hydrolyzed of Virgin coconut Oil and Palm Kernel Oil Against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. Int J Pharm Tech Res.vol.6, no. 2, pp. 628-633.2014

9. American Oil Chemists’Society (AOCS),“Official methods and recommended practices of the American Oil Chemists’ Society. AOCS: Preparation of Methyl Esters of Fatty Acids Champaign”, AOCS Press, pp. 2-66.1997.

10. B. Satiawihardja,Study of Making Artificial Brown Butter from Palm Oil with Enzymatic Interesterification Process. Jurnal Teknologi Indonesia Pertanian.vol.10 no.3, pp. 129-138, 2001.

11. R.D. O’Brien,Fats and Oils: Formulating and Prossesing for Applications”. 3 rdEdn, CRC Press, London,pp.43-47, 273.2009.

12. M.G.Enig, “Health and Nutrition Benefitsfrom CoconutOil and Its Advantages Over Competing Oils”,Indian Coconut Jurnal, vol. 2, no. 3, pp.9-15.2010.