cis-5-olefinic unusual fatty acids in seed lipids of gymnospermae and their distribution in triacylglycerols

Open-tubular gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acids in the lipids from the seeds of 20 species of Gymnospermae showed that they all contained nonmethylene-interrupted polyenoic (NMIP) acids as minor components and palmitic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids as major components. The NMIP acids have an additional 5,6-ethylenic bond in ordinary plant unsaturated fatty acids and the following C₂ elongation acids:cis-5,cis-9-octadecadienoic acid (5,9–18∶2) (I); 5,9,12–18∶3 (II); 5,9,12,15–18∶4, 5,11–20∶2, 5,11,14–20∶3 (III); and 5,11,14,17–20∶4 (IV). The main NMIP acids found in neutral lipids are I in two species ofTaxus, II in seven species of Pinaceae, III in two species of Podocarpaceae,Torreya nucifera, Cycas revoluta, andGinkgo biloba, and III and IV in each of three species of Taxodiaceae, and Cupressaceae. The polar lipids constitute the minor fraction of seed lipids in general. The content and composition of NMIP acids in these lipids differe considerably from those in neutral lipids. Analysis of the partial cleavage products of triacylglycerols showed that the NMIP acids distribute mainly in the 1,3-position.     

Structural importance of thecis-5 ethylenic bond in the endogenous desaturation product of dietary elaidic acid,cis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid,for the acylation of rat mitochondria phosphatidylinositol

When rats were fed elaidic (trans-9 18∶1) acid at a high load in diets that were otherwise marginally or almost completely deficient in linoleic (cis-9,cis-12 18∶2) acid, elaidic acid was desaturated tocis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid. This polymethylene-interrupted acid was then incorporated into most phospholipids from rat mitochondria, cardiolipin being an exception. Its level of esterification in phospholipids followed the increasing order: phosphatidylethanolamine <phosphatidylcholine < phosphatidylinositol (PI). The content ofci-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid decreased in organs in the order liver > kidney > heart. The levels ofcis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid increased in mitochondria phospholipids as the level of linoleic acid was lowered in the diet. In liver mitochondria PI, it reached 16% of total fatty acids. After hydrolysis of liver mitochondria PI withNaja naja phospholipase A₂, we observed that elaidic acid was essentially esterified to position 1 at the expense of saturated acids, whereascis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid was exclusively esterified to position 2, along with 20∶3n−9 and 20∶4n−6 acids. As a consequence, the sums of saturated andtrans-9 18∶1 acids on the one hand, and of 20∶3n−9, 20∶4n−6, andcis-5,trans-9 18⩺2 acids on the other hand, remained fairly constant in liver mitochondria PI (ca. 55 and 30%, respectively). Becausetrans-9 18∶1 andcis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acids differ only by thecis-5 ethylenic bond, which is also present in 20∶3n−9 and 20∶4n−6 acids, this distribution pattern indicates that thecis-5 double bond, rather than any other ethylenic bond, may be of major structural importance for channeling fatty acids to position 2 of PI.     

Fatty acids in echinoidea: Unusualcis-5-olefinic acids as distinctive lipid components in sea urchins

Open tubular gas liquid chromatographic (GLC) analyses of fatty acids from total lipids of 12 species of Echinoidea collected at several locations along the Pacific coast of Japan showed the same unusualcis-5-olefinic acids in all species, i.e.,cis-5-octadecenoic acid (5–18∶1),cis-5-eicosenoic acid (5–20∶1), all-cis-5,11- and 5,13-eicosadienoic acids (5,11- and 5,13–20∶2), allcis-5,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (5,11,14–20∶3) and all-cis-5,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (5,11,14,17–20∶4). The structural analysis of partially purified 5,11,14,17–20∶4 was undertaken by reductive ozonolysis with GLC and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of the products.¹³C-Nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the totals and fractions of fatty acid methyl esters from the sea urchin lipids did not show any occurrence of fatty acids having an isolated olefinic bond in the 2, 3 or 4 positions. The 5-olefinic acids were concentrated on the polar lipids rather than neutral lipids. The branched and odd chain fatty acid contents of mud-feeding sea urchins were found to be relatively greater proportions of total fatty acids than in algae feeders.     

Cis-trans isomerization of octadecatrienoic acids during heating. Study of pinolenic (cis-5,cis-9,cis-12 18∶3) acid geometrical isomers in heated pine seed oil

To understand the heat-inducedcis-trans isomerization of ethylenic bonds in octadecatrienoic acids, pine seed oil, which contains the unusual nonmethylene-interrupted pinolenic (cis-5,cis-9,cis-12 18∶3) acid as a major component, was heated under vacuum at 240°C for 6 h together with linseed and borage oils. As a results, a small percentage of pinolenic acid undergoescis-trans isomerization. The main isomer that accumulates is thetrans-5,cis-9,trans-12 18∶3 acid. Minor amounts of the three mono-trans isomers are also present. Identification of isomers was realized by combining gas-liquid chromatography on a CP Sil 88 capillary column, argentation thin-layer chromatography and comparing the equivalent chainlengths of artifacts to those of isomers present in NO₂-isomerized pine seed oil. Hydrazine reduction was used to demonstrate that there was no positional shift of double bonds. Heat-induced geometrical isomerization of pinolenic acid differs from that of α- and γ-linolenic acids in at least two aspects. The reaction rate is slower (about one-fourth), and mono-trans isomers are formed in low amounts.     

Essential fatty acid-deficient rats: II. On the fatty acid composition of partially hydrogenated arachis,soybean and herring oils and of normal,refined arachis oil

The fatty acid composition of partially hydrogenated arachis (HAO), partially hydrogenated soybean (HSO) and partially hydrogenated herring (HHO) oils and of a normal, refined arachis oil (AO) was studied in detail by means of direct gas liquid chromatography, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometry and by thin layer chromatography fractionation on silver nitrate-silica gel plates followed by gas liquid chromatography. It was shown that the partially hydrogenated oils all contained fatty acids withtrans double bonds. In the plant oils, thetrans acids were present mainly as elaidic acid. The HHO showed an almost equal distribution betweentrans 18∶1 ω9,trans 20∶1 ω>9 andtrans 22∶1 ω>9. Sometrans configuration was also found in the C₂₀-and C₂₂-dienes and trienes of the HHO. In all the oils, conjugated fatty acids were present in minor amounts only (<0.5%). Special attention was given to the ω-acids known to be of specific nutritional value. The HSO contained about 32% linoleic acid, whereas the content ofcis, trans+trans, cis andtrans, trans octadecadienoic isomers was 1.7% and 0.5%, respectively. The amount of linoleic acid in the HSO was even higher than that of AO (29%). The HAO contained only 0.8% 18∶2 ω6 (linoleic acid). Further, two 18∶2 fatty acids with ω>6, acis, cis and atrans, trans isomer, were present in small amounts. The HHO contained 0.5% 18∶2 ω6 (linoleic acid). Isomers of 18∶2 ω>6 were also found in the HHO. They may be hydrogenation products of higher unsaturated C₁₈-acids orginally present. All the C₂₀- and C₂₂-dienes and trienes were shown to have an ω-chain greater than 6. Fatty acids with ω6-structure were not formed during partial hydrogenation of the oils studied.     

Caltha palustris L. Seed Oil. A source of four fatty acids withcis-5-unsaturation

The seed oil ofCaltha palustris L. yields two unusual polyunsaturated components, all-cis-5,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (23%) and all-cis-5,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (1%). The C₁₈ monoene fraction (26%) is a mixture ofcis-5- andcis-9-octadecenoic acids (2∶1). The C₂₀ monoene fraction (12%) is a mixture ofcis-11- andcis-5-isomers (3∶1). No. Utiliz. Res. Dev. Div., ARS, USDA.     

Mass spectrometric analysis of the fatty acids and nonsaponifiable lipids ofEimeria tenella oocysts

The fatty acids and nonsaponifiable lipids ofEimeria tenella oocysts were analyzed by gas liquid chromatography and combined gas liquid chromatographymass spectrometry. The fatty acids detected were identified as C_14∶0, C_16∶0, C_16∶1, C_18∶0, C_18∶1, and C_18∶2. Though the wt of the fatty acid fraction decreased during sporulation from 91 μg per 10⁶ oocysts to 47 μg per 10⁶ oocysts, the relative amounts of these fatty acids did not change appreciably. The nonsaponifiable lipids ofE. tenella consisted of cholesterol and unbranched primary alcohols of 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 carbons. Mass fragmentography demonstrated that each species of alcohol consisted of saturated and monounsaturated derivatives. Trimethylsilyl ethers of fatty alcohols were found to offer several important advantages over free alcohols for mass spectrometric characterization. Before sporulation, most fatty alcohols were in the oocyst wall. During sporulation, the wt of the nonsaponifiable lipids increased from 16 μg per 10⁶ oocysts of 44 μg per 10⁶ oocysts due largely to synthesis of C₂₄ and C₂₆ alcohols. The newly synthesized fatty alcohols were not deposited in the oocyst wall.     

Taxus baccata seed oil: A new source ofcis-5,cis-9-octadecadienoic acid

Methyl esters prepared from the seed oil of the coniferTaxus baccata L. were found by gas liquid chromatography to contain 12% of a component which, when isolated by preparative thin layer chromatography and characterized by mass spectrometry, ozonolysis and nuclear magnetic resonance, was identified ascis-5,cis-9-octadecadienoic acid.     

cis-5-Monoenoic fatty acids in some chenopodiaceae seed oils

Methyl esters from seed oils of four Chenopodiaceae species are unusual in that they contain methylcis-5-hexadecenoate (4.6–12%) and methyl 5-octadecenoate (1.1–1.2%). There are indications of small amounts of 18∶2^5,9 and 18∶3^{5, 9, 12} along with unsaturated acids commonly found in seed oils-oleic (14–21%), linoleic (53–57%) and linolenic (3.5–7.8%). Fatty acid composition of the oils was determined by gas chromatography, and positions of the double bonds were established by application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to the methoxylated methyl esters. N. Market. Nutr. Res. Div., ARS, USDA.     

In vitro comparison of hepatic metabolism of 9cis-11 trans and 10trans-12cis isomers of CLA in the rat

Hepatic metabolism of the two main isomers of CLA (9cis-11 trans, 10trans-12cisC_18∶2) was compared to that of oleic acid (representative of the main plasma FA) in 16 rats by using the in vitro method of incubated liver slices. Liver tissue samples were incubated at 37°C for 17h under an atmosphere of 95% O₂/5%CO₂ in a medium supplemented with 0.75 mM of FA mixture (representative of circulating nonesterified FA) and with 55 μM [1-¹⁴C]9cis-11 trans C_18∶2, [1-¹⁴C]10trans-12cis C_18∶2, or [1-¹⁴C]oleate. The uptake of CLA by hepatocytes was similar for both isomers (9%) and was three times higher (P<0.01) than for oleate (2.6%). The rate of CLA isomer oxidation was two times higher (49 and 40% of incorporated amounts of 9cis-11 trans and 10trans-12 cis, respectively) than that of oleate (P<0.01). Total oxidation of oleate and CLA isomers into [¹⁴CO₂] was low (2 to 7% of total oxidized FA) compared to the partial oxidation (93 to 98%) leading to the production of [¹⁴C] acid-soluble products. CLA isoemrs escaping from catabolism were both highly desaturated (26.7 and 26.8%) into conjugated 18∶3. Oleate and CLA isomers were mainly esterified into neutral lipids (30%). They were slowly secreted as parts of VLDL particles (<0.4% of FA incorporated into cells), the extent of secretion of oleate and of 10trans-12 cis being 2.2-fold higher than that of 9cis-11 trans (P<0.02). In conclusion, this study clearly showed that both CLA isomers were highly catabolized by hepatocytes, reducing their availability for peripheral tissues. Moreover, more than 25% of CLA escaping from catabolism was converted into conjugated 18∶3, the biological properties of which remain to be elucidated.     

The effect of lyophilization on the solvent extraction of lipid classes,fatty acids and sterols from the oysterCrassostrea gigas

The lipid class compositions of adult Pacific oysters [Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg)] were examined using latroscan thin-layer chromatography/flame-ionization detection (TLC/FID), and fatty acid compositions determined by capillary gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The fatty acid methyl esters were separated using argentation TLC and also analyzed as their 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives using GC/MS. Major esterified fatty acids inC. gigas were 16∶0, 20∶5n−3, and 22∶6n−3. C₂₀ and C₂₂ nonmethylene interrupted (NMI) fatty acids comprised 4.5 to 5.9% of the total fatty acids. The NMI trienoic fatty acid 22∶3(7,13,16) was also identified. Very little difference was found in the proportions of the various lipid classes, fatty acids or sterols between samples of adult oysters of two different sizes. However, significant differences in some of the lipid components were evident according to the method of sample preparation used prior to lipid extraction with solvents. Lyophilization (freeze drying) of samples led to a significant reduction in the amounts of triacylglycerols (TG) extracted by solvents in two separate experiments (7.0 and 52.5% extracted). Extracts from lyophilized samples had less 16∶0, C₁₈ unsaturated fatty acids, and 24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol, while C₂₀ and C₂₂ unsaturated fatty acids comprised a higher proportion of the total fatty acids. There was no significant change in the amounts of polar lipids, total sterols, free fatty acids or hydrocarbons observed in extracts from lyophilized samples relative to extracts from nonlyophilized samples. Addition of water to the freezedried samples prior to lipid extraction greatly improved lipid yields and resulted in most of the TG being extracted.     

Isolation and structural determination of the C20 and C22 unsaturated fatty acids of rapeseed oil

Polyunsaturated C₂₀ and C₂₂ fatty acids, which seldom are found in the triglycerides of higher plants, were isolated from rapeseed oil and their structures fully characterized. Pure 20∶2 and 20∶3 were identified as all-cis Δ-11,14 and all-cis Δ-11,14,17. Pure 22∶2 and 22∶3 were characterized as all-cis Δ-13,16 and all-cis Δ-13,16,19. Trienoic acids were found in very small amounts. Reinvestigation of the 20∶1 acid showed that it is a mixture of 75%cis Δ-11 and 25%cis Δ-13, whereas the 22∶1 is thecis Δ-13 isomer only. Evidence is also given for the presence of a 24∶1 acid. Extract from the doctoral dissertation of E. W. Haeffner, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, 1965.     

A new conjugated linoleic acid isomer, 7 trans, 9 cis-octadecadienoic acid, in cow milk, cheese, beef and human milk and adipose tissue

The identity of a previously unrecognized conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer, 7 trans, 9 cis-octadecadienoic acid (18∶2) was confirmed in milk, cheese, beef, human milk, and human adipose tissue. The 7 trans, 9 cis-18∶2 isomer was resolved chromatographically as the methyl ester by silver ion-high-performance liquid chromatography (Ag⁺-HPLC); it eluted after the major 9 cis, 11 trans-18∶2 isomer (rumenic acid) in the natural products analyzed. In the biological matrices in-vestigated by Ag⁺-HPLC, the 7 trans, 9 cis-18∶2 peak was generally due to the most abundant minor CLA isomer, ranging in concentration from 3 to 16% of total CLA. By gas chromatography (GC) with long polar capillary columns, the methyl ester of 7 trans, 9 cis-18∶2 was shown to elute near the leading edge of the major 9 cis, 11 trans-18∶2 peak, while the 4,4-dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivative permitted partial resolution of these two CLA isomers. The DMOX derivative of this new CLA isomer was analyzed by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC-EIMS). The double bond positions were at Δ7 and Δ9 as indicated by the characteristic mass spectral fragment ions at m/z 168, 180, 194, and 206, and their allylic cleavages at m/z 154 and 234. The cis/trans double-bond configuration was established by GC-direct deposition-Fourier transform infrared as evidenced from the doublet at 988 and 949 cm⁻¹ and absorptions at 3020 and 3002 cm⁻¹. The 7 trans, 9 cis-18∶2 configuration was established by GC-EIMS for the DMOX derivative of the natural products examined, and by comparison to a similar product obtained from treatment of a mixture of methyl 8-hydroxy-and 11-hydroxyoctadec-9 cis enoates with BF₃, in methanol. Contribution number S010 from the Food Research Center, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.     

Occurrence of 5,9,19-octacosatrienoic, 5,9-hexacosadienoic and 17-hexacosenoic acids in the marine spongeXestospongia halichondroides

The marine spongeXestospongia halichondroides contains 13% 28∶3Δ5,9,19, 27% 26∶2Δ5,9, and 21% 26∶1Δ17 in its total fatty acids. Thecis-5,cis-9,cis-19-octacosatrienoic acid structure is unknown in other living organisms.     

Distinctive medium chain wax esters,triglycerides, and diacyl glyceryl ethers in the head fats of the pacific beaked whale,Berardius bairdi

Lipids were extracted from the mandibular fat body (jaw), the fatty forehead (melon), and the dorsal blubber of a Pacific beaked whale (Berardius bairdi) and separated into lipid classes by preparative thin layer chromatography. The head fats were mixtures of wax esters and triglycerides with a very small amount of diacyl glyceryl ether. The blubber fat contained 97% was ester and 3% triglyceride. Gas liquid chromatography (GLC) of the intact lipid classes indicated an unusually low C₂₆–C₃₀ range for most of the jaw and melon wax esters compared to the more normal C₃₂–C₄₀ molecules found in the blubber. Distinctive lower molecular weight C₂₄–C₄₀ triglycerides occurred in the head fats vs. the usual C₄₄–C₅₈ range in the blubber. Most diacyl glyceryl ethers were in the C₃₅–C₄₆ range, below the molecular weight of hexadecyldipalmitoyl glyceryl ether (C₄₈). GLC of the derived fatty acid methyl esters showed that the lower molecular weight neutral lipids in the head fats were due to high levels of iso-10∶0, n−10∶0, iso-11∶0, iso-12∶0, n−12∶0, and iso-13∶0 acids. The wax ester fatty alcohols and the alkoxy chains of the glyceryl ethers were mostly the C₁₄–C₂₀ chain lengths commonly observed in marine organisms. The distinctive medium chain neutral lipids in the jaw and melon fats of this whale may be related to the postulated acoustical role of these tissues in echolocation.     

Fatty acid composition of polar lipids in goats' milk

Silicic acid column chromatography was used to separate the polar lipids of goats' milk into glycolipid, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine plus phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin fractions. Each fraction was purified by column chromatography and its fatty acid profile determined by gas liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The glycerophospholipids each contained 18∶1 as the predominant fatty acid (∼45%). The sphingolipids contained a high percentage of long-chain saturated fatty acids (C₂₂ to C₂₄>45%); the glycolipid fraction also contained ca. 2% 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The data represent a comprehensive cross-sectional study of the major polar lipids found in goats' milks.     

Occurrence of wax esters and 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols in goat epididymal sperm plasma membrane

Two unusual lipid classes were detected by thin-layer chromatography in the neutral lipids derived from goat cauda-epididymal sperm plasma membrane. The lipids were identified as wax esters and 1-O-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerols based on chromatographic properties, identity of their hydrolysis products, and infrared/¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectral evidence. The membrane containedca. 3 and 5 μg/mg protein of wax esters and alkyldiacylglycerols, respectively. The relative proportions of wax esters and alkyldiacylglycerols in the total neutral lipids were 1.5% and 2.4%, respectively. The lipids contained fatty acids with chain lengths of C₁₄ to C₂₂. The major fatty acids of the wax esters were 14∶0, 16∶0, 16∶1ω7, 18∶0 and 18∶1ω9. The fatty acids in alkyldiacylglycerol were 16∶0, 18∶0, 22∶5ω3 and 22∶6ω3. Alkyldiacylglycerol was particularly rich in docosahexaenoic acid 22∶6ω3) representing 30% of the total fatty acids. The alcohols of wax ester were all saturated with C₂₀–C₂₉ carbon chains. The deacylated products derived from alkyldiacylglycerols were identified as hexadecyl, octadecyl and octadec-9′-enyl glycerol ethers.     

Occurrence of n−5 monounsaturated fatty acids in jujube pulp lipids

The pulp lipids of jujube (Zizyphus jujuba var.inermis) fruit have been shown by chromatographic, spectrometric and chemical analyses to contain a series ofcis-monoenoic fatty acids with n−5 unsaturation as major acyl moieties. The total concentration of these n−5 fatty acids, such as 14∶1n−5, 16∶1n−5 and 18∶1n−5, ranged from 22 to 54% of total fatty acids in the pulp lipids of 11 different sources. The main component of the n−5 homologues was 16∶1n−5 in all cases. Other monoenoic acids with n−7 unsaturation, namely palmitoleic (cis-9-hexadecenoic) acid andcis-vaccenic (cis-11-octadecenoic) acid, as well as with n−9 unsaturation, namely oleic acid, were also identified. In the seed lipids of jujube fruit, none of the n−5 monoenoic acids could be detected. Thus the jujube pulp lipids are characterized by the predominance of n−5 monoenoic acid isomers.     

Fatty acid composition of rat hearts as influenced by age and dietary fatty acids

Fatty acid composition of neutral and polar lipid fractions from rat hearts was determined in rats of different ages as their diet source changed. Piebald rats were weaned at 21 days and were fed standard lab chow. Lipids from rat hearts, mothers milk and lab chow were purified on a Sephadex G-25 fine column and separated into neutral and polar lipid fractions by silicic acid column chromatography. These lipid fractions were then hydrolyzed and methylated with BF₃ in methanol, prior to gas liquid chromatographic separation on a 1/8 in. × 10 ft aluminum column of 15% EGS on 80–100 mesh acid-washed Chromosorb W. Three major fatty acids in the neutral lipid fraction comprised 72% of total neutral lipid fatty acids from young hearts. At sexual maturity (at least 74 days old) C_18∶1 was the major fatty acid, followed by C_16∶0 and C_18∶0. The same three fatty acids comprised 83% of total polar lipid fatty acids, but C_18∶0 was the major fatty acid, followed by C_16∶0 and C_18∶1. The fatty acid composition of dietary lipids influenced the total neutral lipid fatty acid composition of the rat heart, but had little influence on the fatty acid composition of the polar lipid fraction. Presented in part at the AOCS Meeting, New Orleans, April 1970.     

Characterization of γ-linolenic acid geometrical isomers in borage oil subjected to heat treatments (deodorization)

Heating of borage oil, either under vacuum as a model or during steam-vacuum deodorization, produces artifacts that are geometrical isomers of γ-linolenic acid (cis-6,cis-9,cis-12 18∶3 acid). In a first approach, we have studied the behavior of these fatty acids in the form of either methyl or isopropyl esters on two capillary columns (CP-Sil 88 and DB-Wax). From this study, it appears that the DB-Wax capillary column is the best suited analytical tool to study in some detail γ-linolenic acid geometrical isomers. In a second approach, the structure of these isomers was formally established by combining several analytical techniques: Argentation thin-layer chromatography, comparison of the equivalent chainlengths with those of isomers present in NO₂-isomerized borage oil on two different capillary columns, partial hydrazine reduction, oxidative ozonolysis, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The two main isomers that accumulate upon heat treatments are thetrans-6,cis-9,cis-12 andcis-6,cis-9,trans-12 18∶3 acids with minor amounts ofcis-6,trans-9,cis-12 18∶3 acid. One di-trans isomer, supposed to be thetrans-6,cis-9,trans-12 18∶3 acid, is present in low although noticeable amounts in some of the heated oils. The content of these artificial fatty acids increases with increasing temperatures and duration of heating. The degree of isomerization (DI) of γ-linolenic acid is less than 1% when the oil is deodorized at 200°C for 2 h. Heating at 260°C for 5 h increases the DI up to 74%. Isomerization of γ-linolenic acid resembles that of α-linolenic (cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18∶3) acid in several aspects: The same kinds and numbers of isomers are formed, and similar degrees of isomerization are reached when the octadecatrienoic acids are heated under identical conditions. It seems that the reactivity of a double-bondvis-à-vis cis-trans isomerization is linked to its relative position, central or external, and not to its absolute position (Δ6, 9, 12 or 15).