Glycerin fatty acid ester is a substance produced by reacting fatty acids obtained from lipids with glycerin, and is a food additive used as an emulsifier in margarine and dairy products.
Glycerin fatty acid esters are listed in the Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives, 9th edition. The required test includes determination of fatty acids (organic acids) produced from hydrolyzing glycerin fatty acid esters using potassium hydroxide.
In this application, organic acid standards were analyzed using SUGAR SH1011, a column for organic acid analysis. The organic acids included in the analysis are required testing targets for the below glycerin fatty acid esters.
Under the analysis conditions used in this application, glycerin elutes between lactic acid (peak number 4) and acetic acid (peak number 5). The method is applicable for the determination of organic acids produced from the hydrolyzation of commercial glycerin fatty acid esters. Sodium lactate standard solutions and the samples pretreated following the Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives contain sodium ions. To protect the column, it is recommended to remove sodium ions using a cation exchange resin prior to the injection.

Sample: 20 µL

1. 1.Succinic acid
2. 2.Tartaric acid
3. 3.Citric acid
4. 4.Lactic acid
5. 5.Acetic acid