Profiling free fatty acids in edible oils via magnetic dispersive extraction and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The analysis of free fatty acids (FFAs) in edible oils can provide important information for quality control and oil authentication. Herein, we report the comprehensive profiling of FFAs in edible oils via magnetic dispersive extraction combined with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS). A magnetic extractant was designed for dispersive extraction of FFAs. The extraction conditions were carefully optimized. To assess the extraction method, we first use the method for analysis of 7 targeted FFAs. The limits of detection range from 5.6 to 25.8 ng g −1 , and the recoveries in oil samples are 81%–107%. We then performed comprehensive profiling of untargeted FFAs in oil by combining the extraction method with GC × GC–MS. A total of 64 FFAs were identified positively or putatively. The proposed method can provide FFA fingerprint data to guide the processing, storage and authentication of edible oils.