| Abstract: | Reversed phase HPLC with short wavelength UV detection is a useful alternative to conventional separation systems, with RI detection, for the analysis of the triacylglycerols of highly unsaturated vegetable oils, including γ-linolenic acid-containing oils and technical drying oils. γ-Linolenic acid-containing triacylglycerols can be identified and separated from their α-linolenic analogs. The triacylglycerol fingerprints obtained by this technique from many γ-linolenic acid-containing oils and technical oils are highly characteristic, as is apparent from chromatograms obtained from the seed oils of Oenothera biennis, Borago officinalis, Ribes nigrum, Primula florindae, and Sapium sebiferum. Characteristic peak area ratios aid the identification of these oils, and estolide peaks are seen in Sapium seed kernel oils. The high detector response for triacylglycerols containing linoleate and/or linolenate residues may present additional advantages, e.g. in the detection of such triacylglycerols in olive oil. |
