Combination of chromatographic techniques for the analysis of complex deodoriser distillates from an edible oil refining process

An analytical procedure, combining adsorption and size-exclusion chromatography, for the accurate quantification of the main groups of compounds present in complex deodoriser distillates, has been developed. Silica columns were used to quantify two fractions differing in polarity. The nonpolar fraction contains hydrocarbons, alkyl esters and triglycerides. The polar fraction includes partial glycerides, fatty acids and sterols as the main groups. Further separation of both fractions by size-exclusion chromatography, allowed separation and quantification of the main groups of compounds. Additionally, a detailed quantification of the specific compounds of interest present in the fractions could be further achieved by gas chromatography after adding adequate internal standards. The need for application of the procedure to complex deodoriser distillates is justified.