Sample preparation methods for beeswax characterization by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection

• Published in: Journal of Chromatography A 2006-10, Vol.1129 (2), p.262-272
• Main Authors: Jiménez, J.J., Bernal, J.L., del Nozal, M a.J., Martín, M a.T., Bernal, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohols - analysis; Alcohols - chemistry; Analytical chemistry; Beeswax chemical composition; Biological and medical sciences; Chemistry; Chromatographic methods and physical methods associated with chromatography; Chromatography, Gas - methods; Derivatization; Exact sciences and technology; Flame Ionization - methods; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas chromatographic methods; Gas chromatography; General aspects; General aspects and techniques. Study of several systematic groups. Models; Hydrocarbons - analysis; Hydrocarbons - chemistry; Invertebrates; Palmitates - analysis; Palmitates - chemistry; Reproducibility of Results; Sample preparation; Waxes - analysis; Waxes - chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9673
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2006.06.098

New and simpler methods of sample preparation to determine several families of compounds in beeswax by conventional and high temperature gas chromatography are proposed. To analyze hydrocarbons and palmitates, a dilution of sample is enough whereas for the total acid content, a hydrolysis and simultaneous methylation with BF 3–methanol results more effective than the usual methods; for the total content of alcohols, a further acetylation with acetic anhydride is necessary. Free alcohols are directly acetylated in a sample dissolution but for free acids and monoesterified 1,2,3-propanetriols analysis, a previous extraction with acetonitrile is required. The concentrations of all the compounds studied are expressed in weight percentage referred only to one standard: octadecyl octadecanoate. The precision of the analytical methods has been evaluated showing its importance in the analysis of beeswaxes used in apiculture.