[Gas chromatographic determination of the volatile fatty acids (C1-C5) including lactic acid after conversion into their benzyl esters by phenyldiazomethane. Determination of the acids in silages (author's transl)].

A gas chromatographic method for the determination of the volatile fatty acids (C1-C5) including lactic acid is described. The acids are converted into their benzyl esters by means of phenyldiazomethane without previous purification of the reagent by distillation. The benzyl esters are well separated from the solvent as well as from one another. Silicone SE-30 is used as the stationary phase. An application of the method on silage acids is demonstrated.