| It is essential to have simple rapid methods for the determination of fatty acid structures. Traditionally, fatty acids are analysed by gas chromatography using their methyl ester derivatives (FAME). However, their corresponding mass spectra exhibit molecular ions but are usually devoid of ions indicative of structural features and, notably, the position of double bounds on the aliphatic chains [1]. In the most useful approach to structure determination, the carboxyl group is derivatised with a reagent containing a nitrogen atom. Recently, a convenient method for preparing picolinyl esters from intact lipids has been published [2]. However, some problems occurred in our laboratory when this method was used, leading to some modifications and optimisation.... |
