High resolution GLC (HRGC) in the study of unsaponifiables in vegetable oils

Abstract

The unsaponifiables from a large number of vegetable and fruit seed oils were fractionated by preparative TLC into 5 main fractions: sterols, methyl sterols, triterpene alcohols, tocopherols and hydrocarbons. The first 3 fractions were further analysed as trimethyl silyl derivatives by GLC on OV17, using a short (15 m) capillary glass column. Tabulated results agreed well with previously reported data obtained with packed GLC columns with the same stationary phase: qualitative and quantitative differences are attributed to the high resolution of capillary columns. 24-methylene cholesterol and small amounts of other sterols were found in some fats. The method may be useful for fast analysis, control of fat mixtures and detn. of the origin of a fat.