Alternative NMR method for quantitative determination of acyl positional distribution in triacylglycerols and related compounds

High-resolution C-13 NMR spectroscopy has been used to analyze the positional distribution of fatty acids in model triacylglycerols. A novel method for quantitative determination of the positional distribution of unsaturated chains in triacylglycerols simultaneously with the ratio of saturated/unsaturated acyl chains has been proposed, utilizing the chemical shift differences of the aliphatic atoms C4, C5, and C6. The use of HSQC-TOCSY spectra allows unequivocal proof of the position of the unsaturated chain as well as complete assignment of the C-13 NMR signals in tripalmitin.. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.