Routine chromatography of simple lipids and their constituents

This review summarizes the basic chromatographic routines commonly employed in lipid research laboratories in the analysis of the lipid mixtures normally isolated from natural sources. Emphasis is placed upon a systematic application of complementary chromatographic techniques as a means of ensuring maximum resolution and complete identification of lipid classes and molecular species. Many lipid samples, however, are simple enough to be analyzed completely by means of one or a few of the analytical sequences discussed. Regardless of the chromatographic routine selected, the analysis should be preceded by an effective isolation of the lipid sample free of contamination and in the absence of decomposition. Both aspects of sample handling are considered in the early part of the discussion.The bibliography has been selected to call attention to the most recent comprehensive coverage of each subject from which the original references, if other, can be located. Hopefully this survey will show that for many purposes adequate analyses of known lipids can be obtained with conventional equipment of thin-layer and gas chromatography.