Method for the determination of indole and skatole in pig fat

A quantitative method was developed to determine by gas-liquid chromatography the concentrations of indole and skatole in pig fat. Methanolic extracts of subcutaneous adipose tissue were de-fatted by cooling, concentrated using solid-phase extraction columns, and analysed in a gas chromatograph fitted with a polar capillary column and a flame ionisation detector. The method detects indole and skatole to below 0-002 mg kg−1 fat.