A method to determine the monoglyceride content in fats and oils

A methodology was worked out to analyze monoglycerides present in fats and oils in low levels (<0.5%). The monoglycerides are enriched by acetonitrile extraction and further evaluated either by gas liquid chromatography or by a combination of thin layer chromatography-gas liquid chromatography. Results are presented showing the selectivity, yield, and reproducibility of the isolation step and the efficiency of the thin layer chromatography fractionation. Examples also are given demonstrating some possible applications of the proposed method.