A rapid method for the estimation oftrans unsaturation in hydrogenated oils and fats

Abstract Glycerides and methyl esters of fatty acids containingtrans unsaturation both show peaks at 10,38 Ɓ. The absorptivities of the glycerides (a10.38 Ɓ) have a straight line relationship with the concentration of thetrans unsaturation, calculated as methyl elaidate. This relationship has been utilized as a quick method for estimating thetrans unsaturation in hydrogenated fats such as Vanaspati. The infrared spectrum of a given hydrogenated fat is taken in the region of 9‐11 Ɓ, the absorptivity at thetrans‐peak is calculated, and the corresponding methyl elaidate content is read from a graph.