Rapid transmethylation of microgram amounts of phosphatidylcholine on potassium methoxide/celite columns1,2,3

A rapid and convenient method for the determination of acyl groups in phosphatidylcholine (PC) has been developed. Transmethylation reactions were carried out on potassium methoxideimpregnated Celite microcolumns that were readily prepared from Pasteur pipettes. The methods were tested on microgram amounts of synthetic L-α-phosphatidylcholines (di-14∶0; di-18∶2; α-16∶0-β-14∶0) and on egg yolk lecithin, in methylene chloride or hexane solution. Transmethylation of these lipids occurred rapidly at room temperature. Gas liquid chromatographic (GLC) analysis of the product methyl esters demonstrated that the reaction was neither selective for one acyl position of PC over the other, nor sensitive to the amount of unsaturation within the acyl group. The results of the acyl group analysis of natural egg yolk lecithin compared favorably with the results from an established procedure. Presented at AOCS 68th Annual Meeting, New York, May 1977. Reference to brand or firm name does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over others of a similar nature not mentioned. Chloroform and carbon disulfide have been classified by OSHA as carcinogens and/or toxic materials; they should be handled with care under proper ventilation.