A simple method for regiospecific analysis of triacylglycerols by gas chromatography

A simple method for regiospecific analysis of triglycerides was developed. It consists of partial deacylation of triglycerides by ethylmagnesium bromide followed by derivatization of monoglycerides with n-butyryl chloride, and direct analysis of dibutyrate derivatives of monoglycerides by gas chromatography. The chromatographic conditions were carried out with monoglycerides of C-12 to C-20 fatty acids and resulted in separation of dibutyrate derivatives between those bearing the medium- or long-chain fatty acid in the sn-1 (3) and sn-2 positions of glycerol. Beef tallow and grapeseed and cotton seed oils were analyzed using this new method, and their regiospecific distributions were compared with literature data. The method does not require separation of products by thin-layer chromatography or special analytical equipment other than a standard gas chromatograph, and it can thus be used for routine regiospecific analysis of triglycerides.