Aliphatic γ- and δ-Lactones in Meat Fats

Abstract

The present investigations was undertaken to isolate the free and bound lactone fractions in fresh beef fat, and the total lactone fractions in fresh pork, mutton, horse and chicken fats. δ-C₁₄ and δ-C₁₆ lactones were identified in gas chromatogram of free lactone fraction, though the amount of that fraction was almost negligible. γ-C₁₀ to C₁₆ and δ-C₁₀ to C₁₈ lactones of the even carbon number were found in bound lactone fraction which was obtained from glycerides by saponification. The lactone fractions in the other meat fats were isolated by saponification, steam-distillation, and silicic acid column chromatography. γ- and δ-C₁₀ to C₁₄ lactones of the even carbon number were found in all of fats tested, and gas chromatograms of lactone fraction in meat fats used showed the similar patterns. δ-C₁₄ lactone was characteristic in meat fats.