Abstract
Non-polar fraction of Malaysian palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) was isolated by the preparative TLC of unsaponifiable matter prepared in a short saponification time (2min). Combined GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of esters of fatty acids in PFAD. The occurrence of these esters was confirmed by their presence in the non-polar fraction isolated directly from the PFAD by preparative TLC and their absence in the unsaponifiable matter prepared in a normal saponification time (30 min). No explanation for the origin of the fatty acid esters in PFAD is given.
