Multi-component analysis (sterols, tocopherols and triterpenic dialcohols) of the unsaponifiable fraction of vegetable oils by liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization–ion trap mass spectrometry

A simple and sensitive method for the analysis of sterols, tocopherols and triterpenic dialcohols from the unsaponifiable fraction from oil samples in a single analytical run using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was developed. With this method, the compounds could be detected directly after dissolving the unsaponifiable fraction in acetonitrile without necessity of time-consuming sample pre-treatment or derivatization. Separation of the analytes was carried out at room temperature, by using a C18 column (5 μm i.d. 3.0 mm × 250 mm) with a linear gradient of acetonitrile/water (0.01% acetic acid) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The full scan mass spectra of the investigated compounds were measured by an ion trap mass spectrometer equipped with an APCI ion source. The optimized methodology was suitable for the identification of 23 compounds belonging to different families present in olive oil and other kinds of oils, as well as for the quantification of 15 analytes (vs. their commercial standards).