Tocopherols in Seeds and Nuts: QuEChERS Extraction, HPLCSeparation, and Fluorescence Detection

A student experiment that uses QuEChERS (quick,easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) methodology for extractionand HPLC for quantitative determination of tocopherols from seedsand nuts is described here. Chromatographic separation is achieved byusing a pentafluorophenyl stationary phase which gives enhancedseparation of the tocopherols when compared to the more commonC18 reversed phase. Sensitive detection is byfluorescence which isalso compared to the less sensitive and less selective UV-vis method.The experiment provides students with valuable laboratory skillsincluding sample preparation and cleanup using QuEChERS method-ology and quantitative analysis using the method of internal standardsby HPLC. Subsequently, the experiment provides an opportunity forstudents to consolidate their learning of the key theoretical conceptsincluding liquid chromatography separation mechanisms and relevant sample preparation and cleanup methods for complex samples.The experiment is designed for upper-division undergraduate analytical chemistry students.

Automated summary

This article describes a student experiment that uses QuEChERS methodology for extraction and HPLC for quantitative determination of tocopherols. The experiment provides students with the opportunity to gain laboratory skills and consolidate their understanding of theoretical concepts.