A simple procedure for rapid transmethylation of glycerolipids and cholesteryl esters

A simple procedure suitable for rapid transmethylation of triacylglycerols, other neutral lipids (including cholesteryl esters), and glycerophospholipids is described. Lipids in diethyl ether solution (50 volumes), in the presence of methyl acetate (1 vol), are reacted with 1 M sodium methoxide in methanol (1 vol) at room temperature. Essentially complete transmethylation can occur within a few minutes with no hydrolysis. Glassware and reagent requirements are minimal and samples are ready for gas-liquid chromatography analysis with very little work-up.