Application of ultraviolet spectrophotometry to the analysis of fats and derivatives

Summary There are several spectrophotometric methods available which allow a high degree of accuracy in the analysis of the common fats and oils. Further there are methods available for those fats and oils that contain unsaturated acids up to and including hexaenoic acid which allow good estimations of the composition. Several sources of error are discussed in an effort to point the way to their elimination. Recently published spectrophotometric data on certain polyunsaturated acids isolated from marine oils are discussed in relation to the possibility of extending the method to include these oils. More accurate spectrophotometric constants to be employed in the analysis of certain drying oils are suggested.