Valorization of Jatropha curcas Seed Oil Through Green Synthesis of Multipurpose Soap: A Sustainable Chemical Approach

The increasing demand for sustainable raw materials and environmentally friendly products has intensified research in plant-based oils as renewable feedstocks. Jatropha curcas, a non-edible and widely available seed crop, offers significant potential for eco-friendly soap production, reducing reliance on edible oils and promoting waste utilization. This study explores the valorization of J. curcas seed oil for the green synthesis of multipurpose soap, emphasizing its potential as a non-edible, high-yield, and eco-sustainable oil source. The oil was extracted from pulverized J. curcas seeds using the Soxhlet solvent extraction method and subsequently subjected to saponification with sodium hydroxide and natural additives under controlled conditions. The extracted oil exhibited physicochemical properties such as pH (6.80), temperature (21⸰C), electrical conductivity (1.98 S/m), specific gravity (0.534), refractive index (1.445), solubility in ethanol (7.0 g/100 mL), density (1.70 g/100 mL), acid value (0.81 ppm), and saponification value (84.13 mg/L). The resulting soap was analyzed for parameters including pH (6.50), electrical conductivity (3.50 S/m), relative density (1.30 mg/L), solubility in water (2.00 cm³/10 mL), solubility in ethanol (7.0 g/100 mL), foaming ability, and cleansing efficiency. The results confirmed that the J. curcas-based soap met basic quality requirements for both domestic and industrial applications, showing effective cleansing action and skin-compatible pH. This research demonstrates that J. curcas seed oil serves as a viable renewable feedstock for eco-friendly soap production, supporting waste reduction and contributing to sustainable chemical processes.