The composition of linseed oil

Abstract

Modern analytical methods were used to study the composition of linseed oil and meal, and a previously developed method was used to determine trace amounts of some unsaturated fatty acids ((see FSTA (1976 08 08N0388): combined AgNO 3-TLC and GLC revealed the presence of a C20 unsaturated acid with 3-4 double bonds (the small amounts prevented complete identification). Combined derivatization (acetyl), AgNO 3-TLC and GLC on non-polar stationary phase (OV17) allowed the isolation and identification of an unusual sterol, 24-methylene cholesterol. Tabulated results show the overall composition of the meal, physicochemical characteristics, total and saturated fatty acid composition, unsaponifiables, tocopherol, triterpene, methyl sterol and sterol composition. For potential food use, the high concn. of linolenic acid (53.32%) must be reduced by breeding.