GC-MS Analysis of Essential Oils
Start Date
April 2024
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), thanks to its ability to separate sample mixtures based on polarity and subsequently identify substituent molecules via mass spectra comparison, is an ideal method for analyzing sample mixtures of unknown composition. Essential oils are mixtures of natural phytochemicals, with an often-enormous number of compounds compositing the mixture. Therefore, the identification of essential oil compositions derived from plant products are prime targets for the application of GC-MS analysis. Using GC-MS, essential oils from the following plants were analyzed: anise, bergamot, black walnut, clove, French carnation, lemon, nutmeg, oakmoss, santal, sweet orange. Solutions of most essential oils were prepared in methanol at 1:15 v/v concentrations, though santal oil was prepared in methanol at 1000 ppm. Major components were determined for each oil and compared to known compositions. Further study may pursue several others path for research, such as: method comparison for extraction of essential oils from parent plants, determination of toxic components in essential oils, quality comparison of publicly sold essential oils.
GC-MS Analysis of Essential Oils
2nd floor - Library
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), thanks to its ability to separate sample mixtures based on polarity and subsequently identify substituent molecules via mass spectra comparison, is an ideal method for analyzing sample mixtures of unknown composition. Essential oils are mixtures of natural phytochemicals, with an often-enormous number of compounds compositing the mixture. Therefore, the identification of essential oil compositions derived from plant products are prime targets for the application of GC-MS analysis. Using GC-MS, essential oils from the following plants were analyzed: anise, bergamot, black walnut, clove, French carnation, lemon, nutmeg, oakmoss, santal, sweet orange. Solutions of most essential oils were prepared in methanol at 1:15 v/v concentrations, though santal oil was prepared in methanol at 1000 ppm. Major components were determined for each oil and compared to known compositions. Further study may pursue several others path for research, such as: method comparison for extraction of essential oils from parent plants, determination of toxic components in essential oils, quality comparison of publicly sold essential oils.
