A simple and efficient method has been developed for the preparation
of HCAL and its salts. An HPLC method has been established
to determine the purity and stability of these compounds in aqueous
solutions. Also, specific optical rotation has been employed for
the first time to estimate HCA and HCAL contents in solutions. For
the first time we have established that free HCA exists in an equilibrium
mixture of acid and its lactone in aqueous solution. The
pure HCAL shows better appetite suppression activity than do its
salts and hence can be used in food preparations and beverages
in place of HCA salts.