Simultaneous HPLC–DAD Analysis of Tocopherols, Phytosterols, and Squalene in Vegetable Oil Deodorizer Distillates

Abstract

A simple and accurate HPLC–DAD method has been developed for simultaneous determination of tocopherols (α, (β + γ), and δ-tocopherols), phytosterols (campesterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol), and squalene in vegetable oil deodorizer distillates (VODD). Chromatographic separation was performed on a C₁₈ column with a mobile phase gradient prepared from 98:2 (v/v) methanol–water and isopropanol, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min⁻¹, in 33 min, at 30 °C. Tocopherols, phytosterols, and squalene were detected at 296, 210, and 210 nm, respectively. Recoveries ranged from 92.4 to 103.8 %. Limits of quantification were in the range 0.50–2.50 μg mL⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully used for simultaneous analysis of tocopherols, phytosterols, and squalene in VODD.