John Russel M. Lequisia (March 2011)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Aldehydes are organic compounds used in manufacturing resins and dyes and in the synthesis of organic acids. Aldehydes are usually formed during the combustion in hydrocarbons. Despite its many uses, aldehydes pose health risks such as cancer. This study aimed to determine and compare the percent aldehyde content in coconut and olive oils heated at various periods of time. The oils were heated until its smoking point and 1 hour after smoking point. Hydroxylamine titration were used to determine the percent aldehyde content. The mean percent aldehyde content of coconut oil heated until its smoking point and 1 hour after smoking point were 0.102, 0.620, 0.155, and 0.439 respectively. There is a significant difference in the mean percent aldehyde content of the samples. Heated coconut oil and olive oil pose health risks due to the fact that the amount of aldehydes exceed the tolerable intake level.