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

Gradient elution HPLC of oils and fats using reversed-phase HPLC separation systems with laser light-scattering detection are described. Potential advantages and shortcomings are discussed. Flexible solvent gradient programming permits an adaptation of the system to several types of applications. Using systems of this type the usual solubility problem 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 hydrogenated palm kernel oil and hydrogenated palm oil. HPLC systems of this type will also permit the simultaneous investigation of diglycerides and triglycerides in oils.