Evaluation of fast gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in the analysis of lipids

Fast and conventional gas chromatography (GC) techniques were applied to nine different lipidic matrices (butter, lard, tallow, and peanut, corn, sunflower, soya, olive, menhaden oils). Simultaneous methylic transesterification was performed on all samples prior to GC analysis. Several practical aspects concerning high speed analysis were investigated, such as the great increase in linear velocity, the use of fast temperature ramps, column sample capacity and detection systems. Analytical results showed certain losses in resolution, balanced by a consistent reduction in analysis time. The actual time savings were variable (60–70 min) as they were dependent on the complexity of the sample while the speed enhancement factor was equal to 10.5. Peak identification was achieved by means of different information sources, such as fast GC–mass spectrometry (MS), linear retention indices and comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography group patterns. The method developed was shown to be applicable in routine applications on complex natural samples.