D. Tech. Chemistry / The avocado oil contains compounds with potency against ailments caused by some bacteria, fungi, viruses as well as some insects and parasites. Present in the oil are long aliphatic hydrocarbons (acetogenins) documented to have a wide range of biological activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal and nematocidal properties and as a result the oil is fast gaining popularity amongst consumers. The demand and popularity of the oil makes it a target for contamination and adulteration of with cheaper oils. Chromatographic techniques such as Gas chromatography (GC) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are the frequently used methods of oil analysis to safe guard against adulteration. Derivatization of acetogenins uniquely found in avocado oil would provide derivatives which can be used as markers for authentication of the oil, an alternative method to fatty acid methyl ester analysis.