ABSTRACT
The analysis of fatty acids is typically performed using GC–MS after derivatization, e.g., to methyl or trimethylsilyl esters. The GC–MS analysis of triacylglycerides (TAG) is more complicated. With the advent of LC–MS, the potential of LC–MS in the analysis of fatty acids, triglycerides, and related substances has been evaluated. LC–MS opens additional application areas in lipid analysis, as it enables the characterization of intact phospholipids without derivatization. The analysis and characterization of lipids is discussed in this chapter, in order to provide insight in the possibilities and limitations of LC–MS in this area. The LC–MS analysis of lipids was reviewed by Byrdwell [1]. MS–MS in the analysis of lipids was reviewed by Griffiths [2]. Electrospray ionization (ESI) MS of phospholipids was reviewed by Pulfer and Murphy [3].
