The constituents of the seeds ofCroton sparsiflorus have been examined and the physical and chemical constants of the petroleum ether extractable fixed oil have been determined.

The authors thank the Superintendent, Government Test House, Alipore, for an analysed sample of raw linseed oil that was used for comparison and standardisation of experimental conditions.

The oil from the seeds ofCroton sparsiflorus has been examined for its composition. Apart from palmeitic, stearic, oleic and linolenic acids, the glyceride contains an unusual isomeric form of the common α-linoleic acid. Complete analysis of the oil has been effected by using Bertram’s oxidation method and Kaufmann’s thiocyanometric method. Fully saturated glycerides are absent and the oil contains β-linoleo-di-α-linolenin.

The sterol in the unsaponifiable matter is essentially sitosterol.