Journal Published Online: 01 November 2003
Volume 48, Issue 6

Analysis and Classification of Common Vegetable Oils

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The analysis of fatty acids from common vegetable oils was investigated for application to forensic casework. A base-catalyzed transesterification of the fatty acids to fatty acid methyl esters using tetramethylammonium hydroxide was simple, rapid, straightforward and inexpensive. Canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean and sunflower oils were able to be classified based on their fatty acid methyl ester profiles. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the detection limits for canola, corn, olive, peanut and safflower oils were determined to be 0.4 mg/mL or less and 0.2 mg/mL or less for soybean and sunflower oils.

Author Information

Pitts, SJ
R.C.M.P. Forensic Laboratory, 15707-118 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Thomson, CI
R.C.M.P. Forensic Laboratory, Alberta, Canada Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS2003122
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003122