Determination of sorbitan tristearate in vegetable oils and fats

A new method for analysis of Sorbitan Tristearate (STS) in vegetable oils and fats has been developed. The method is based on isolation and hydrolysis of STS compounds in a silica cartridge. The polyalcohols are eluted from the silica cartridge and the final separation and quantitation are done by high-performance liquid chromatography and refractive index detection. Linearity, precision, and recovery satisfy general demands on quantitative methods. The detection limit and the quantitation limit are well below the concentrations normally used to attain functional effects of STS in vegetable oils and fats.