Analysis of hexane extracts of Euphorbia lathyris, a potential source of biofuels.

Energy security is one of the major challenges of 21st century. A shift to next-generational fuels and increased use of renewable source of energy are increasingly being considered as viable options. Government of India has recognized bio-ethanol and bio-diesel as major players in the national energy scenario. Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) with about 1,500 species has a huge potential to supply future fuel demand as source of petroleum. Euphorbia lathyris L. is one of the most-suitable species that falls into the category of hydrocarbon yielding plants. This plant is suitable to grow in arid and semiarid climate. Latex of this species contains fairly high percentage of terpenoids which can be converted into high grade transportation fuel. Similarly the carbohydrates (hexoses) from such plants can be used for ethanol formation. This papers deals with the analysis of hexane extracts of E. lathuris which establishes its potential as biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]