<P> RBD coconut oil can be processed further into partially or fully hydrogenated oil to increase its melting point . Since virgin and RBD coconut oils melt at 24 ° C (76 ° F), foods containing coconut oil tend to melt in warm climates . A higher melting point is desirable in these warm climates, so the oil is hydrogenated . The melting point of hydrogenated coconut oil is 36--40 ° C (97--104 ° F). </P> <P> In the process of hydrogenation, unsaturated fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids) are combined with hydrogen in a catalytic process to make them more saturated . Coconut oil contains only 6% monounsaturated and 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids . In the partial hydrogenation process, some of these are transformed into trans fatty acids . </P> <P> Fractionated coconut oil provides fractions of the whole oil so that its different fatty acids can be separated for specific uses . Lauric acid, a 12 - carbon chain fatty acid, is often removed because of its high value for industrial and medical purposes . The fractionation of coconut oil can also be used to isolate caprylic acid and capric acid, which are medium - chain triglycerides, as these are used for medical applications, special diets and cosmetics, sometimes also being used as a carrier oil for fragrances . </P> <P> The United States Department of Agriculture has published estimated production figures for coconut oil as follows; tabulated years are from October 1 through September 30: </P>

What is the chemical composition of coconut oil