A rapid quantitative method for the separation of free fatty acids from other lipids

Abstract

A method for the separation of free fatty acids from other lipids is presented. Silicic acid treated with isopropanol-KOH and washed with ethyl ether serves as the column packing. The sample is introduced in ethyl ether, and neutral lipids are eluted with this solvent. Fatty acids are removed from the column with 50 ml of 2% formic acid in ethyl ether followed by 75 to 100 ml of ethyl ether. Phospholipids are retained on the column. The results of 26 analyses of fatty acids mixed with various other lipids showed an average recovery of 98.3% for free fatty acids.