The Mechanisms of Lipid Autoxidation II. Non Volatile Secondary Oxidation Products

Abstract

It is now well known and accepted that the primary oxidation products of lipids are hydroperoxides. These compounds form relatively rapidly and then react further to yield a variety of secondary and subsequent products. This review concentrates on the mechanisms of formation of non-volatile secondary oxidation products produced in heated fats and oils, specifically the di- to tetra-polymeric forms of the fatty acids. In general, these products are saponified prior to characterization and, hence, most of the literature concentrates on the oligomeric fatty acids and not the oligomeric triglycerides themselves. It is clear that the major obstacle to the analysis of these compounds remains the lack of good separation and purification techniques. Further work is required in this area as these compounds are of potential toxicological concern to the food industry.