Enhancement of Ultraviolet Detectability of Fatty Acids for Purposes of Liquid Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Analyses

Abstract

A technique for benzyl derivatization of fatty acids which results in enhanced ultraviolet absorption with a concomittant increase in sensitivity in liquid chromatographic (LC) separations has been developed. Benzylation prior to liquid chromatographic separation also provides a uniform enhancement of response for fatty acids which permits direct relative quantization without acquisition of additional calibration data. After removal of excess solvent from eluted compounds mass spectra were determined using a direct probe which confirmed the benzyl ester structures. A discussion of spectral data and the advantages of using mass spectrometry as an ancillary tool to liquid chromatography is also discussed.