Synthesis and characterization of 1- and 2-monoglycerides of anteiso fatty acids.

The branched-chain fatty acids D-(+)-12-methyltetradecanoic acid (C(15) anteiso) and D-(+)-14-methylhexadecanoic acid (C(17) anteiso) were isolated from the lipids of Listeria monocytogenes and their 1- and 2-monoglycerides were prepared. Reaction intermediates and products were purified without isomerization by column chromatography. Thin-layer chromatography on Florisil impregnated with boric acid and nuclear magnetic resonance were used in characterizing the 1- and 2-monoglycerides. The value of the latter method for analyzing glyceride structure is discussed.