Comparison of column chromatographic methods for the quantitative determination of mono- and digalactodiglycerides in fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

Three column chromatographic procedures for separating and recovering the galactolipids in fresh alfalfa extracts were compared. Silicic acid chromatography yielded pure fractions by thin-layer chromatography, infrared absorption, and chemical analysis. The carbon-Celite column gave the highest yield of monogalactodiglyceride. Of the 1.2% total lipids of fresh alfalfa, approximately 12% was monogalactodiglyceride and 8% was digalactodiglyceride. Linolenic acid accounted for about 90% of the total fatty acids in these components.