Automated analysis of vitamin E isomers in vegetable oils by continuous membrane extraction and liquid chromatography–electrochemical detection

A rapid and automated method for the analysis of α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols in vegetable oils is reported. Continuous extraction of vitamin E isomers from oil samples dissolved in Triton X-114 in the presence of methanol–hexane is achieved and coupled on-line with the chromatographic system. Using an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer in a methanol–water (97:3) solution as the mobile phase, a C18 stationary phase and electrochemical detection in the coulometric mode, α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol isomers can be successfully analyzed within 17 min. Thirteen commercially available oils of olive, sunflower, corn and seed mixtures were analyzed using 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-chromanol as internal standard. The results obtained using three methodologies, one of them including classical sample treatment for liposoluble vitamin analysis, were in good agreement. To validate the proposed method, analysis of the only BCR Reference Material available, with a certified content of α-tocopherol (margarine CRM 122), was carried out using the automated methodology, the results found being in agreement with the certified value.