Gas Chromatography of Phytosterol Mixtures Part I Identification of Phytosterols

Abstract

Various special sterol types, occurring in the phytosterol mixtures of vegetable oils, were identified by a suitable combination of gas chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Gas chromatography of sterol acetates was performed at 220°C on a versamid VSE 30 column. The combined procedure was applied to the analysis of phytosterols from rapeseed oil, coconut fat, palm-kernel oil and other fats. A peak of brassicasterol was identified in the phytosterols from rapeseed oil and some other fats. The presence of an unknown sterol type was demonstrated in the sterols from coconut fat. The Chromatographic properties of this peculiar sterol were studied and a tentative structure was suggested.