GC-FID was used as single methodology for the identification and differentiation of proteins, lipids and ox bile from binders
used in artistic paintings. The samples were hydrolyzed by HCl. Subsequently, the simultaneous formation of volatile derivatives
of the amino, fatty and bile acids with ethyl chloroformate was performed quickly and safely in an aqueous medium. The derivatives
were separated by capillary GC and characterized by GC-MS. The ageing of drying oils was studied, identifying pelargonic acid
among other degradation products. Proteinaceous and lipoid binding media were characterized by means of the quotients between
the areas of the peaks for each amino or fatty acid with respect to the area of the peak for alanine or palmitic acid. Fatty
acids from ox bile were easily identified by their retention times characteristic for eicosanoic, docosanoic and pentadecanoic
acids. The suggested method was applied to the analysis of binders in baroque paintings by Palomino in Valencia (Spain). Animal
gelatine and linseed oil were found.
Received: 27 September 2000 / Revised: 16 January 2001 / Accepted: 17 January 2001