A new method for determining acid values of fats and oils was develope
d based on measurement of reduction prepeak current of 2-methyl-1,4-na
phthoquinone (VK3) from 8 x10(-6) to 6 x 10(-3) M, due to free fatty a
cid (e.g., linoleic acid). Acid value of 11 samples was determined. Th
e relative standard deviation of acid value for 5 replicates of each s
ample was less than 2.5%. The method is superior to conventional titra
tion methods in sensitivity and overcomes inaccuracy due to vagueness
in color change of acid-base indicators in organic solvents.