CHED 843

HPLC is an efficient method of analysis for the detection of fatty acids which are common components of the cell membrane and susceptible to in vivo epoxidation and subsequent hydrolysis to toxic diol products. 9-Anthryldiazomethane (9-ADAM) is used to derivatize fatty acids and/or their epoxides to allow detection by HPLC. Oleic acid (9,10-octadecanoic acid) is selected to develop this technique since it is the simplest fatty acid (18 carbons) and also is readily available. To prepare epoxidized fatty acid(s) several potential routes are possible, including the use of peroxy acids, hydrogen peroxide, and fluorine-acetonitrile-water complexes. Since 9-anthryl esters are predicted to be labile, it is important to consider both the sequence and rigor of the derivatization procedures involved. This paper will describe results of efforts to prepare and characterize the 9-anthryl esters of unsaturated fatty acid epoxides