Methacrylate ester-based monolithic columns for nano-LC separation of tocopherols in vegetable oils

The separation and determination of tocopherols (Ts) in vegetable oils by nano-LC chromatography with UV–vis detection using lauryl methacrylate ester-based monolithic columns has been developed. The separation of Ts was optimized in terms of mobile phase composition on the basis of the best compromise among efficiency, resolution and analysis time. Using a mobile phase composed of ACN/methanol/water, an excellent resolution between Ts was achieved within 18 min. The LODs were lower than 0.26 mg/mL, being repeatability values of retention time and peak area below 0.15 and 3.1%, respectively. The method was applied to the quantification of Ts and tocotrienols present in several vegetable oils from different botanical origins.