DEGRADATION OF BACTERIAL CYCLOPROPANE ACIDS WITH BORON TRIHALIDE REAGENTS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 18  (71) , 51-58
Abstract
The cellular fatty acid compositions of Pseudomonas diminuta UC 501 and Streptococcus mutans OMZ-61 were compared in samples processed by a saponification-methylation procedure (method S) and in samples processed by a transesterification procedure (method T). All samples were heated in an inert atmosphere of N2. The major acids found in samples of P. diminuta treated by method S included 16:0 (palmitic), 18:1 (octadecenoic) and 19 cyc (19 C cyclopropane acid). Those found in samples of S. mutans treated by the method included 16:0, 18:1, 18:0 (stearic), 20:1 (eicosenoic), 20:0 (eicosanoic), 19 cyc and 21 cyc. When method T was used to process samples of both cultures, cyc acids were degraded and artifacts were produced. Transesterification with boron trihalide reagents is therefore not recommended for routine analysis of bacterial fatty acids.

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