RESUMEN
The complex nature of botanicals and essential oils makes it difficult to identify all of the constituents by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) alone. In this paper, automated sequential, multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-GC/MS) was used to obtain a matrix-specific, retention time/mass spectrometry library of 190 juniper berry oil compounds. GC/MS analysis on stationary phases with different polarities confirmed the identities of each compound when spectral deconvolution software was used to analyze the oil. Also analyzed were distillates of juniper berry and its oil as well as gin from four different manufacturers. Findings showed the chemical content of juniper berry can be traced from starting material to final product and can be used to authenticate and differentiate brands.
Asunto(s)
Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Juniperus/química , Extractos Vegetales/análisis , Aceites de Plantas/análisisRESUMEN
The composition of essential oils and their mixtures used to formulate gin is usually too complex to separate all sample components by standard capillary gas chromatography (GC). In particular, minor constituents that possess important organoleptic properties can be masked by co-elution with major sample components. A solution is provided that combines gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with "interactive" spectral deconvolution software. Sequential two-dimensional (2D) GC/MS is used to produce a target compound library, with orthogonal GC-GC providing the separation power required to obtain peak retention times and the corresponding mass spectra needed for the deconvolution database. The combination of these two techniques, mass spectral deconvolution and automated sequential 2D-GC/MS, offers a very effective synergy for both identifying key constituents that determine the perception of flavor and aroma and the quality control needed to analyze mixtures of complex essential oils.