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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2009  > August  >
In the Laboratory
Analysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters in Egg Yolk Using GC–MS
Lisa T. Alty
Department of Chemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450
Cover
August 2009
Vol. 86 No. 8
p. 962

Abstract
To determine the fatty acid content of egg yolk lipids, fatty acid esters in egg yolk are transesterified, converting them to more volatile fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). These FAMEs are separated using gas chromatography (GC), detected using electron ionization mass spectrometry (MS), and identified using a mass spectral library. After integrating the GC peaks, students determine the relative amounts of FAMEs in their samples. Students then compare their results to the literature values for FAMEs in egg yolk and comment on differences between their data and the literature. Both regular large eggs and large eggs from a commercial supplier of eggs stated to be higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are examined.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes, including the answers to the lab report questions and a list of the equipment and chemicals; Biochemistry lab syllabus
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Citation
Alty, Lisa T. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 962.
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Keywords
Analytical Chemistry; Bioanalytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Fatty Acids; Food Science; Gas Chromatography; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Lipids; Mass Spectrometry; Nomenclature / Units / Symbols; Nutrition; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
6/16/2009
6/30/2009
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Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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