The unsolved problems of triglyceride analysis

The modern techniques of countercurrent distribution between solvents, GLC and TLC (especially on silver nitrate impregnated silica gel), and enzymic hydrolysis have greatly simplified and speeded up the analysis of triglyceride mixtures, such as are found in natural fats. The application of these methods has provided data for the formulation of a number of new theoretical descriptions of the fatty acid distributions found in fats. But it is clear that neither the experimental techniques, nor the theories of glyceride structure arrived at with their aid, are entirely satisfactory. On the one hand analytical methods are inadequate for such fats as the nut oils; and in no case can the accuracy of the analysis be regarded as complete. On the other hand present theories have yet to accommodate minor components, enantiomorphic forms, and recent evidence concerning the biosynthesis of natural triglycerides. Attention is drawn to some of the outstanding problems still facing those concerned with the analysis of triglyceride mixtures; and an attempt it made to indicate the direction in which solutions to these problems may be sought.