Samples of oil from Dimorphotheca pluvialis processed by extraction an
d mechanical expelling were analyzed using supercritical fluid chromat
ography (SFC), lipase-catalyzed reactions, and H-1-NMR. SFC analysis d
etected the occurrence of free fatty acid, diglycerides, and unknown m
aterials having molecular weights equivalent to four and five acyl gro
ups. These components were present in larger quantities for oils recov
ered via mechanical expelling. Results from lipase-catalyzed reactions
and NMR analysis suggest the large molecular weight molecules are tri
glycerides containing additional acyl groups through estolide bonds. T
he chemical shifts of the olefinic protons on the conjugated double bo
nds of dimorphecolic [D(+)-18:2(10t,12t)-OH9] acid and its estolides a
ppeared at higher ppm values when compared to non-conjugated olefinic
absorptions.