A rapid, quantitative procedure for measuring the unsaponifiable matter from animal, marine, and plant oils

Abstract A simple, rapid, quantitative procedure for measuring the unsaponifiable matter (USM) in animal, marine and plant oils is described. Saponification is achieved by grinding the oil with potassium hydroxide pellets followed by a short heating period. The resultant soap mixture is then ground together with Celite powder, transferred to a glass column, and the USM is eluted with small amounts of dichloromethane. Good agreement between duplicate determinations was obtained for all oils examined. Values for the USM of 21 different fats and oils are given. Comparison of some of these values was made with those obtained with Official Methods.