[LC-MS analysis of commercial sodium stearoyl lactylate components]

The components of commercial sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL), purchased in Japan, were determined and identified using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Stearoyl lactate (SL) and stearoyl-2-lactylate (SLL) were purified using TLC and silica gel chromatography to obtain standards. The results show that SSL consisted of lactic acid (8.4%), stearic acid (15%), SL (57%), and SLL (13%). The total amounts of free lactic acid, lactic acid derived from SL and lactic acid derived from SLL were determined using LC-MS. The mean value was approximately equal to that determined using the JECFA method. This is the first study to determine and identify the components of SSL purchased in Japan, using TLC and LC-MS.