Spectral confirmation of trans monounsaturated C18 fatty acid positional isomers

The trans octadecenoic acid methyl ester isomers were obtained from a partially hydrogenated soybean oil sample and isolated by silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography. The double bond configuration was confirmed to be trans by using gas chromatography-direct deposition-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The double bond positions for nine individual trans octadecenoic acid positional isomers were confirmed by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry after derivatization to 2-alkenyl-4,4-dimethyloxazoline. These nine trans positional isomers were resolved on either one of the two polar 100% cyanopropylpolysiloxane 100-m capillary columns, SP 2560 and Cp-Sil 88, at an isothermal temperature of 140°C. These nine isomers were confirmed to have double bonds at carbons C-8 through C-16. The pair of trans octadecenoic acid positional isomers with double bonds at C-13 and C-14 are reported for the first time to be resolved by gas chromatography. This work was presented in part at the 87th American Oil Chemists’ Society Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, IN, April 28–May 1, 1996.     

Analysis of alpha-linolenic acid geometrical isomers in deodorized oils by capillary gas-liquid chromatography on cyanoalkyl polysiloxane stationary phases: A note of caution

Analysis of alpha-linolenic acid geometrical isomers in deodorized or heated oils by capillary gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) on polar cyanoalkyl polysiloxane stationary phases requires some care to avoid interferences with other fatty acids. Depending on the temperature of the column, thecis-11 20∶1 acid may elute before, with or after thecis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18∶3 acid during GLC. In some instances [temperature higher than 180°C with a CP Sil 88 column (Chrompack, Middelburg, The Netherlands)], the 20∶1 acid coelutes with thetrans-9,cis-12,cis-15 18∶3 acid, leading to abnormally high levels of this last isomer. Consequently, the degree of isomerization of alpha-linolenic acid will be over-estimated under such conditions. It is recommended that the behavior ofcis-11 20∶1 acid relative to temperature be checked carefully prior to the determination of alpha-linolenic acid geometrical isomers by GLC. Temperatures lower than 160°C seem appropriate to separate all of these components from each other and fromcis-11 20∶1 acid in a 50 m×0.25 mm i.d. CP Sil 88 capillary column.     

Improvement in the resolution of individualtrans-18:1 isomers by capillary gas-liquid chromatography: Use of a 100-m CP-Sil 88 column

Doubling the length of a CP-Sil 88 capillary column (Chrompack, Middelburg, The Netherlands) from 50 to 100 m remarkably improves the resolution of individualtrans-18:1 isomers from either ruminant fats or partially hydrogenated oils. Although the use of a 50-m column gives interesting results, it does not allow sufficient resolution of thetrans-10 andtrans-11 18:1 isomers. Moreover, thetrans-6 totrans-9 18:1 isomers emerge as a single group of peaks, whereas thetrans-12 isomer is only partly resolved from the adjacenttrans-11 andtrans-13 plustrans-14 isomers. With the 100-m column, thetrans-9,trans-10, andtrans-12 18:1 isomers are almost base-line resolved from other isomers. However, with both columns, it is not possible to separate the critical pair oftrans-13 andtrans-14 18:1 acids which co-elute under a single peak. Despite this minor drawback, the 100-m CP-Sil 88 column appears to be of great interest for the separation and the quantitation of most individualtrans-18:1 acids. Except for the use of argentation thin-layer chromatography, there is no need for complementary techniques, such as ozonolysis. This simple and powerful tool may be applied to ruminant fats, partially hydrogenated oils, and human tissue lipids.     

Determination of trace amounts of fatty acids in edible oils by capillary gas-liquid chromatography

The effect of using different gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) hardware to quantify low concentrations of fatty acids was studies. A fused-silica capillary column was operated in two different chromatographs (A and B) that were interfaced to three different chromatographic data systems to process the flame-ionization detector signals (systems A, B1, and B2). A test routine was developed that allowed the proper selection of peak processing parameters for the automatic recognition and integration of fatty acids occurring at trace levels. However, agreement of analytical results between the three analytical systems was not satisfactory; components at concentrations <0.10 g/100 g could not be quantified with high reliability, although the same capillary column and identical sample solutions were used (quasi-repeatability conditions). Even for major fatty acids, deviations up to 1.0 g/100 g were noted, which could only be attributed to the use of different GLC hardware. Attention should be paid to these technical restrictions when formulating product specifications based on fatty acid profile parameters.     

Separation and identification of ximenynic acid isomers in the seed oil ofSantalum spicatum R.Br. as their 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives

The seed oil ofSantalum spicatum contains a significant amount of ximenynic acid,trans-11-octadecen-9-ynoic acid, a long-chain acetylenic fatty acid, as a major component (34%). The identity oftrans-ximenynic acid was confirmed after isolation by ultraviolet, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (¹H- and¹³C-) spectroscopy and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Thecis isomer of ximenynic acid was also found (<1%) in some samples. Thecis andtrans isomers were characterized by GC/MS comparison of their methyl esters and 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives.     

Analysis ofcis- andtrans-fatty acid isomers in hydrogenated and refined vegetable oils by capillary gas-liquid chromatography

For quantitation ofcis- andtrans-fatty acid isomers, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) on highly polar stationary phases or the combination (GLC-IR) may be used. IR offers the advantage of simplicity and speed, but the lower determination limit of 5% and the lack of detailed information limit its use. Detailed fatty acid information, required for, e.g., food-labeling purposes, can only be obtained with GLC methods. Most of the GLC methods are optimized for partially hydrogenated samples. AOCS Official Method Ce 1c-89 prescribes a single, highly polar stationary phase, SP2340, but underestimates the amount oftrans isomers due to 18∶1 positional isomer overlap. The combined GLC-IR method may circumvent this problem but at the cost of time, effort, and precision.Trans isomers in refined (deodorized or stripped) oils are different in type and levels from isomers in partially hydrogenated oils; theirtrans isomers are mono-trans trienoic and dienoic isomers, occurring at levels up to about 1–3%. GLC conditions for hydrogenated samples are often not suitable for refined oils because of overlap problems, but this time in the 18∶3 region. Through careful selection of stationary phase and temperature program optimization (Drylab^®GC), we have developed a single method that is suitable for hydrogenated, as well as refined, processed oils. The accuracy was checked withcis andtrans fatty acid fractions isolated by silverion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Thetrans values obtained with the optimized method are in good agreement with the results obtained for the isolated fractions. We propose that recommended methods describe GLC conditions in terms of separation criteria rather than recommending only a fixed combination of stationary phase and temperature program.     

An improved reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography method for separation of fatty acid methyl esters

Resolution of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) by thin-layer chromatography often is complicated by co-migration of certain acyl-isomers in heterogeneous mixtures. However, a novel reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography method which employs 10% (wt/vol) silver nitrate in a mobile phase containing acetonitrile/1,4-dioxane/acetic acid (80:20:1, vol/vol/vol) allows one-dimensional resolution of a wide range of acyl-methyl esters. This innovation enables improved separation of saturated FAME ranging from C₁₂ to C₂₂, and geometric isomers of C₁₄ to C₂₂ unsaturated FAME by thin-layer chromatography.     

Analysis of the monoenoic fatty acid distribution in hydrogenated vegetable oils by silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography

A silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography column (hexane/acetonitrile as solvent, ultraviolet detection) was used to analyze the fatty acid distribution (as fatty acid methyl esters) of a representative sample of hydrogenated oil. Fractions containingcis- andtrans-18:1 isomers were readily separated. The positional fatty acid isomers were separated by rechromatographing these fractions. The elution order and percent compositions were compared with results obtained by gas chromatography. Of the Δ8 to Δ14trans-18:1 isomers, only the Δ8 and Δ9 pair could not be separated. The Δ8 and Δ9cis-18:1 pair also could not be separated, and the Δ10 isomer was poorly separated from this pair. Area percents were comparable to results obtained by gas chromatography.     

The mass spectra of the 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives of some conjugated hydroxy ene-yne C17 and C18 fatty acids

The mass spectra of the 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives from various fatty acids with a hydroxy group in conjugation with conjugated double-triple bonds (7-hydroxy-trans-10-heptadecene-8-ynoic acid; 7-hydroxy-trans-10, 16-heptadecadiene-8-ynoic acid; 8-hydroxy-rans-11-octadecene-9-ynoic acid; 8-hydroxy-trans-11, 17-octadecadiene-9-ynoic acid) have been examined and compared with their analogous nonhydroxy derivatives. The position of the hydroxy group was unequivocally proven by characteristic odd-numbered fragment peaks, explainable by α-cleavage at the hydroxy group at the oxazoline end of the molecule. The weak ions produced by α-cleavage at the other side of the hydroxy group indicated that the hydroxy group must be in conjugation with the ene-yne system. Fragments that allow one to distinguish between ene-yne or yne-ene systems were absent. In conjunction, the weak molecular ion and the more intense M-18 ion could confirm the molecular weight of each fatty acid. This work was presented in parts at the Second International Symposium of Natural Products and Their Applications in Concepción/Chile (30.11.-2.12.94). (Title of the symposium in Spanish is II Simposio internacional de productos naturales y sus applicaciones.)     

The regiospecific position of 18∶1 cis and trans monoenoic fatty acids in milk fat triacylglycerols

TAG of butterfat were fractionated according to the type and degree of unsaturation into six fractions by silver-ion HPLC. The fractions containing TAG with either cis-or trans-monoenoic FA were collected and fractionated further by reversed-phase HPLC to obtain fractions containing cis TAG of ACN:DB (acyl carbon number:double bonds) 48∶1, 50∶1, and 52∶1 as well as trans 48∶1, 50∶1, and 52∶1. The FA compositions of these fractions were elucidated by GC. The MW distribution of each fraction was determined by ammonia negative-ion CI-MS. Each of the [M-H]⁻ parent ions was fractionated further by collision-induced dissociation with argon, which gave information on the location of cis-and trans-FA between the primary and secondary positions of TAG. The results suggest that the sn-positions of the monoenoic cis-and trans-FA depend on the two other FA present in the molecule. With 14∶0 FA in the TAG molecule, the 18∶1 FA in the sn-2 position are mostly present as cis-isomers. When there is no 14∶0 in the TAG molecule, the trans-18∶1 isomers seem to be more common in the sn-2 position. Also when other long-chain FA are present, the trans-isomers are more likely to be located in the secondary (sn-2) position.     

13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectral confirmation of Δ6-and Δ7-trans-18:1 fatty acid methyl ester positional isomers

Trans octadecenoic acid methyl ester isomers were obtained from a partially hydrognated soybean oil and isolated by silver-ion high-performance liquid chromatography. Recently, the double-bond positions for nine individual trans octadecenoic acid positional isomers (Δ8 through Δ16) were confirmed by gas chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry after derivatization to 2-alkenyl-4,4-dimethyloxazoline. In this communication, the presence of two additional trans-18:1 fatty acid methyl ester positional isomers (Δ6 and Δ7) in the same mixture is confirmed by ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The identity of the Δ5-trans-18:1 fatty acid methyl ester positional isomer is inferred. Summer student researcher.     

Positional and geometrical isomers of linoleic acid in partially hydrogenated oils

The geometrical and positional isomers of linoleic acid of a partially hydrogenated canola oil-based spread were isolated and identified. Through partial hydrazine reduction and mass spectral studies,cis-9,trans-13 octadecadienoic acid was identified as the major isomer. Other quantitatively important isomers characterized werecis-9,trans-12;trans-9,cis-12 andcis-9,cis-15. These four were also the major isomers in margarine based on common vegetable oils. A number of minor isomers were detected and some structures identified weretrans-9,trans-12;trans-8,cis-12;trans-8,cis-13;cis-8,cis-13;trans-9,cis-15;trans-10,cis-15 andcis-9,cis-13. The proportions of the various isomers are given for some margarines in the Canadian retail market. The amounts oftrans-9,trans-12 isomer in Canadian margarines were generally below 0.5% of the total fatty acids.     

Geometrical isomerisation of double bonds in acid‐catalysed preparation of fatty acid methyl esters

Acid‐catalysed methylation is frequently applied for the preparation of fatty acid methyl esters used for gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acids. A series of artefacts were observed in hydrochloric acid‐catalysed direct methylation of herring (Clupea harengus L.) muscle. The artefacts were identified as trans isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, and their levels increased with reaction time. The isomers were not found after methylation of a lipid extract of the herring muscle, even after extreme reaction times. In general, the trans isomers are only observed after methylation of certain marine tissues, indicating catalytic activity in these samples. Based on these results, it is recommended that direct methylation procedures are thoroughly validated with each matrix type analysed, and that reaction times should not be longer than necessary to complete the methylation.     

Convenient preparation of picolinyl derivatives from fatty acid esters

It is essential to have simple rapid methods for the determination of fatty acid structures. Traditionally, fatty acids are analysed by gas chromatography using their methyl ester derivatives (FAME). However, their corresponding mass spectra exhibit molecular ions but are usually devoid of ions indicative of structural features and, notably, the position of double bounds on the aliphatic chains [1]. In the most useful approach to structure determination, the carboxyl group is derivatised with a reagent containing a nitrogen atom. Recently, a convenient method for preparing picolinyl esters from intact lipids has been published [2]. However, some problems occurred in our laboratory when this method was used, leading to some modifications and optimisation. Thus, hexane and water have been added while sodium bicarbonate has been removed in order to lower contamination. Temperature and length of the reaction have then been optimised in order to get 100% derivatisation for different kinds of lipids (45 °C and 45 min for FAME). Finally, a comparison of the response factors has confirmed the better sensitivity of the picolinyl derivative against FAME (five times more).     

Retention behavior of trans isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid methyl esters on a polyethylene glycol stationary phase

A polyethylene glycol (PEG) stationary phase was evaluated for the separation of mono‐trans isomers of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) methyl esters. The resolution patterns were compared to patterns achieved with previously applied conditions on a cyanopropyl phase. There were no overlaps between all‐cis EPA/DHA and their mono‐trans isomers on the PEG phase. Because of overlap between 22:0 and 22:1 isomers, the PEG column is not a good choice for analyses of EPA trans isomers in crude fish oils. However, if the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids are not present in significant amounts, PEG can be a better choice than cyanopropyl columns.     

Geometrical isomers of linolenic acid in low-calorie spreads marketed in France

The fatty acid compositions of 20 samples of low-calorie spreads marketed in France have been examined by gasliquid chromatography (GLC) of their isopropyl esters on a fused silica capillary column coated with 100% cyanopropyl polysiloxane. Spreads containing linolenic acid at a level of 2.3% or higher (5 out of the 20 samples under study) also containtrans- 18:3 isomers. These were identified, after fractionation of their isopropyl esters by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica-gel plates impregnated with AgNO₃, by GLC on two capillary columns of different polarities and comparison of their equivalent chain lengths with those of authentic standards. Identifications were supported by GLC/mass spectrometry of the dimethyl esters resulting from ozonolysis in BF₃/methanol of the monoenes isolated by AgNO₃-TLC after hydrazine reduction of 18:3 isomers. 9c,12c,15t-18:3 and 9t,12c,15c-18:3 were found to be the most abundant 18:3 isomers in the spreads, with small amounts of 9c,12t,15c-18:3. These isomers occurred in the relative proportions 52–55, 41–42 and 4–6%, respectively. These proportions are independent of the origin of the sample. The tentatively identified 9t,12c,15t-18:3 also occurred in some instances. In 2 of the spreads, total geometrical isomers of linolenic acid accounted for 0.9–1% of the total fatty acids (up to 28% of the total 18:3n-3 fraction). The presence of 18:3n-3 geometrical isomers in the spreads is likely due to rapeseed or soybean oils that were deodorized under rather harsh conditions before these were blended with other fats or oils. Partial hydrogenation of these oils may also contribute to accumulation of the same linolenic acid isomers in the spreads.     

Evaluation of sequential methods for the determination of butterfat fatty acid composition with emphasis ontrans-18:1 acids. Application to the study of seasonal variations in french butters

The successive steps of an integrated analytical procedure aimed at the accurate determination of butterfat fatty acid composition, includingtrans-18:1 acid content and profile, have been carefully checked. This sequential procedure includes: dispersion of a portion of butter in hexane/isopropanol (2:1, vol/vol) with anhydrous Na₂SO₄, filtration of aliquots of the suspension through a microfiltration unit, subsequent preparation of fatty acid isopropyl esters (FAIPE) with H₂SO₄ as a catalyst, and analysis of total FAIPE by capillary gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Isolation oftrans-18:1 isomers was by silver-ion thin-layer chromatography (Ag-TLC), followed by extraction from the gel of combined saturated andtrans-monoenoic acids with a biphasic solvent system. Analysis of these fractions by GLC allows the accurate quantitation oftrans-18:1 acids with saturated acids (14:0, 16:0, and 18:0) as internal standards. A partial insight in the distribution oftrans-18:1 isomers can be obtained by GLC on a CP Sil 88 capillary column (Chrompack, Middelburg, The Netherlands). All steps of the procedure are quite reproducible, part of the coefficients of variation (generally less than 3%, mainly limited to butyric and stearic acids) being associated with GLC analysis (injection, integration of peaks) and, to a lesser extent, to FAIPE preparation. FAIPE appear to be of greater practical interest than any other fatty acid esters, including fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), for the quantitation of short-chain fatty acids, because peak area percentages, calculated by the integrator coupled to the flame-ionization detector, are almost equal (theoretically and experimentally) to fatty acid weight percentages and do not require correction factors. With this set of procedures, we have followed in detail the seasonal variations of fatty acids in butterfat, with sixty commercial samples of French butter collected at five different periods of the year. Important variations occur around mid-April, when cows are shifted from forage and concentrates during winters spent in their stalls to fresh grass in pastures. At this period, there is a decrease of 4:0–14:0 acids and of 16:0 (−2 and −6%, respectively), while 18:0 andcis- plustrans-18:1 acids rise suddenly (2 and 5%, respectively). These modifications then progressively disappear until late fall or early winter. Other variations are of minor quantitative importance. Although influenced by the season, the content of 18:2n-6 acid lies in the narrow range of 1.2–1.5%.Trans-18:1 acids, quantitated by GLC after Ag-TLC fractionation, are at their highest level in May–June (4.3% of total fatty acids), and at their lowest level between January and the end of March (2.4%), with a mean annual value of 3.3%. The proportion of vaccenic (trans-11 18:1) acid, relative to totaltrans-18:1 isomers, is higher in spring than in winter, with intermediate decreasing values in summer and fall, which supports the hypothesis that the level of this isomer is linked to the feed of the cattle, and probably to the amount of grass in the feed.     

Determination of trans fatty acids and fatty acid profiles in margarines marketed in spain

Two gas chromatography (GC) procedures were compared for routine analysis of trans fatty acids (TFA) of vegetable margarines, one direct with a 100-m high-polarity column and the other using argentation thin-layer chromatography and GC. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the total trans 18∶1 percentage of margarines with a medium level of TFA (∼18%) made using either of the procedures. Both methods offer good repeatability for determination of total trans 18∶1 percentage. The recoveries of total trans isomers of 18∶1 were not influenced (P>0.1) by the method used. Fatty acid composition of 12 Spanish margarines was determined by the direct GC method. The total contents of trans isomers of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids ranged from 0.15 to 20.21, from 0.24 to 0.99, and from 0 to 0.47%, respectively, and the mean values were 8.18, 0.49, and 0.21%. The mean values for the ratios [cis-polyunsaturated/(saturated +TFA)] and [(cis-polyunsaturated + cis-monounsaturated)/(saturated +TFA)] were 1.25±0.39 and 1.92±0.43, respectively. Taking into account the annual per capita consumption of vegetable margarine, the mean fat content of the margarines (63.5%), and the mean total TFA content (8.87%), the daily per capita consumption of TFA from vegetable margarines by Spaniards was estimated at about 0.2 g/person/d.     

Preparation of fatty acid methyl esters for gas-chromatographic analysis of lipids in biological materials

Theoretically, preparation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) deals with reversible chemical reactions in a complex system. Methodologically, there are numerous ways, generally characterized by the type of catalysts used and steps involved. Although there are more than a half dozen common catalysts, the majority fall into either acidic (HCl, H₂SO₄ and BF₃) or alkaline types (NaOCH₃, KOH and NaOH), with each having its own catalytic capability and application limitations. In terms of steps, many conventional methods, including those officially recognized, consist of drying, digestion, extraction, purification, alkaline hydrolysis, transmethylation/methylation and postreaction work-up. Although these methods are capable of providing reliable estimates if some precautions are taken, they are cumbersome, time-consuming and cost-inefficient. A new approach has been to transmethylate lipidsin situ. Due to its simplicity, high sensitivity, comparable reliability and capability to determine total fatty acids, the method of direct transmethylation is finding a unique place in lipid determination. Regardless of which method is used, quantitative methylation requires chemists to take precautions at every step involved, particularly during FAME formation and subsequent recovery steps. Evidently, there is an urgent need for more systematic studies, guided by the chemical principle of reactions involved and physicochemical properties of regents and end products, into factors affecting these steps. Hopefully, this will lead to an improved method, which measures lipid composition in biological materials not only with high accuracy but also with high efficiency and minimum costs.     

Comparison of attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy to capillary gas chromatography for trans fatty acid determination

Gas chromatography (GC) has been a standard analytical tool in lipid chemistry. The rapid attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared (IR) American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) Recommended Practice (Cd 14d-97) was compared to the capillary GC AOCS Recommended Practice (Ce 1f-97) that was optimized to accurately determine total trans fatty acids on highly polar stationary phases. This comparative evaluation was validated in an independent laboratory. These procedures were used to quantitate the total trans fatty acid levels in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, measured as neat (without solvent) triacylglycerols (TAG) by ATR and as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) derivatives by capillary GC. Unlike FAME, TAG determination by ATR required no derivatization, but samples had to be melted prior to measurement. Five blind replicates for each of three accuracy standards and three test samples were analyzed by each technique. The GC and ATR determinations were in good agreement. Accuracy was generally high. The ratios of ATR mean trans values (reported as percentage of total TAG) to the true values (based on the amount of trielaidin added gravimetrically) were 0.89, 0.98, and 1.02 for accuracy standards having about 1, 10, and 40% trans levels. The corresponding GC values, determined as percentage of total FAME, were 0.98, 0.99 and 1.04. The ratios of mean trans values determined by these techniques were ATR/GC 0.85, 1.04, and 1.01 for test samples having trans levels of about 0.7, 8, and 38%, respectively. The optimized GC procedure also minimzed the expected low bias in trans values due to GC peak overlap found with the GC Official Method Ce 1c-89. Satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility were obtained by both ATR and GC.