Which Column Is Best for Fatty Acid Analysis by GC?
When analyzing fatty acids by gas chromatography (GC), the column of choice is typically one designed for long-chain non-polar or weakly polar compounds. Below are several GC columns commonly used for fatty acid analysis:
Molecular Sieve Column
For example, SP-2560, characterized by high polarity and a relatively long column length (typically 100 m), suitable for separating long-chain fatty acids.
Cyanopropyl Silicone Column:
Such as CP-Sil 88 or HP-88, which also exhibit high polarity and are specifically designed for the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs).
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Coated Column:
For instance, DB-WAX or HP-INNOWax, with polarity ranging from medium to high, and also frequently used for FAME analysis.
To achieve optimal separation, selecting the appropriate column is crucial. However, the choice of column depends on the specific composition of the sample, the intended purpose, and the instrument conditions. In addition to choosing the proper column, parameters such as the column’s inner diameter, length, and the type and flow rate of the carrier gas must be optimized based on experimental requirements.
Furthermore, fatty acids typically require an esterification step before GC analysis, converting them into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), because FAMEs are more volatile than the original fatty acids and more suitable for GC analysis.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
Related Services
How to order?
