Naturally occurring organic chemical preparation

BASIC PROTOCOL I PREPARATION OF FATTY ACID METHYL ESTERS FROM LIPID SAMPLES CATALYZED WITH BORON TRIFLUORIDE IN METHANOL In this method, lipid samples are first saponified with an excess of NaOH in methanol. Liberated fatty acids are then methylated in the presence of BF3 in methanol. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted with an organic solvent (isooctane or hexane), and then sealed in GC sample vials for analysis. Because of the acidic condition and high temperature (100°C) used in the process, isomerization will occur to those fatty acids containing conjugated dienes, such as in dairy and ruminant meat products, that contain conjugated linoleic acids (CLA). If CLA isomers are of interest in the analysis, Basic Protocol 2 or the Alternate Protocol should be used instead. Based on experience, this method underestimates the amount of the naturally occurring cis-9, trans-11 CLA isomer by -10%. The formulas for the chemical reactions involved in this protocol are outlined in Equation D1.2.1 Saponification RCOO-R + NaOH, RCOO-Na + R -OH v 100°C DC Esterification RCOO-Na + CH,OH r 3 v RCOO-CH, + NaOH ioo°c ... 

It is now generally believed that the cytochrome P-450 system that metabolizes xenobiotics has evolved specifically in response to selection pressure from the many naturally-occurring materials to which organisms are exposed in their diets or otherwise encounter in the environment (12). The ability of the enzymes to metabolize modern synthetic organic chemicals such as pesticides is simply a reflection of the evolutionary success that has been achieved in the development of a highly versatile system that is fully prepared for any eventuality (3,4,12). 

Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropionic acid) is a naturally occurring multifunctional organic acid that is found in many food products, particularly in those which involve natural or processed fermented food preparations. Currently, more than 70% of lactic acid is used as acidulents, food preservatives, and feedstock for the manufacture of calcium stearoyl-2-lactylates in the baking industry. The consumption of lactic acid is estimated to be around 30 million lb in the US with an estimated increase of 6% per year. Therefore, lactic acid is an intermediate-volume specialty chemical used chiefly for food processing. 

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