Coconut Oil

This article is compiled based on the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – 2025 Edition

Issued and maintained by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)

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Coconut oil

CAS RN®: 8001-31-8.

1 DEFINITION

Coconut Oil is the refined fixed oil of the seeds of Cocos nucifera L. (Fam. Palmae).

2 IDENTIFICATION

A. It meets the requirements in Specific Tests for Fats and Fixed Oils, Fatty Acid Composition 〈401〉.

3 IMPURITIES

Change to read:

Arsenic 〈211〉, Procedures, Procedure 2 (CN 1-Jun-2023) : NMT 0.5 μg/g

Alkaline Impurities

Sample: 10 mL of Coconut Oil

Analysis: Mix 10 mL of freshly distilled acetone and 0.3 mL of water, and add 0.05 mL of bromophenol blue TS. Neutralize the solution to a green color if necessary with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid or 0.01 N sodium hydroxide. Add the Sample, shake, and allow to stand. Titrate with 0.01 N hydrochloric acid VS to change the color of the upper layer to yellow.

Acceptance criteria: NMT 0.1 mL of 0.01 N hydrochloric acid VS is required.

4 SPECIFIC TESTS

Fats and Fixed Oils, Acid Value 〈401〉: NMT 0.5, determined on 20.0 g

Fats and Fixed Oils, Fatty Acid Composition 〈401〉: Coconut Oil exhibits the composition profile of fatty acids, shown in Table 1.

Table 1

Fats and Fixed Oils, Peroxide Value 〈401〉: NMT 5.0

Fats and Fixed Oils, Unsaponifiable Matter 〈401〉: NMT 1.0%

Melting Range or Temperature 〈741〉: 23°- 26°

Water Determination, Method I 〈921〉: NMT 0.1%, 50 mL of chloroform being used as the solvent instead of 35-40 mL of methanol

5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Packaging and Storage: Preserve in tight, light-resistant, well-filled containers. No storage requirement specified.