Optimization of Linoleic Acid from <i>Idesia polycarpa</i> Maxim. var. <i>vestita</i> Diels by Response Surface Methodology

Linoleic acid (LA) was extracted and purified from Idesia polycarpa Maxim.var. vestita Diels (IPMVVD) oil by urea adduction fractionation, and the response surface methodology (RSM) was successfully employed to optimize the process. The optimal conditions for purification of LA from mixed fatty acids by urea adduction fractionation were as follows: a weight ratio of 4.4:1.0:1.0 (w/w/w) of methanol/urea/mixed fatty acids, a temperature of -5°C and a time of 24.6 h, respectively. Under these conditions the experimental LA yield (48.65%) agreed with the predicted value and the purity of LA was 98.74%.