The analysis of sterols in vegetable oils by off-line SFC followed by
capillary GC-MS is described. The fractionation of the sterols from th
e complex oil matrix is achieved by SFC on aminopropyl silicagel in le
ss than 8 minutes. Injection and collection of the sterol fraction is
fully automated and time controlled. The sterols are analysed without
derivatisation by capillary GC-MS. Identification is performed by full
scan electron ionisation and quantitation is carried out by extracted
ion chromatography at m/e 107, with cholesterol as internal standard.
The analyses of the sterols from the sunflower oil and two olive oils
illustrate the possibilities of the method.