GRADIENT ELUTION HPLC OF FATS AND OILS WITH LASER-LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTION

Gradient elution HPLC of oils and fats using reversed-phase HPLC separ ation systems with laser light-scattering detection are described. Pot ential advantages and shortcomings are discussed. Flexible solvent gra dient programming permits an adaptation of the system to several types of applications. Using systems of this type the usual solubility prob lem with long-chain saturated triglycerides can easily be overcome. A useful test-mixture consisting of a series of saturated triglycerides two carbon numbers apart can be obtained by interesterification of hyd rogenated palm kernel oil and hydrogenated palm oil. HPLC systems of t his type will also permit the simultaneous investigation of diglycerid es and triglycerides in oils.