Qualitative Analysis of Flavor and Fragrance Volatiles by Glass Capillary Gas Chromatography

Book excerpt: Qualitative Analysis of Flavor and Fragrance Volatiles by Glass Capillary Gas Chromatography deals with the application of glass capillary gas chromatography to qualitative analysis of flavor and fragrance volatiles. Topics range from gas chromatographic system requirements and retention indices to selective detectors, ancillary reactions, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This text is comprised of six chapters; the first of which provides an overview of the use of glass capillary gas chromatography in qualitative analysis of flavor and fragrance volatiles. The discussion then turns to gas chromatographic system requirements with respect to columns, inlets, detectors, and temperature control. The reader is also introduced to the Kovats retention index system, which utilizes a logarithmic scale to describe the retention behavior of a compound relative to that of the n-paraffin hydrocarbons. The use of selective detectors, such as thermal conductivity, flame ionization, nitrogen-phosphorus, electron capture, and photoionization detectors in qualitative analysis, is also considered. The final two chapters focus on ancillary reactions in glass capillary gas chromatography and general considerations in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, including interfacing. This book is intended primarily for researchers involved in studies of the volatile constituents of fragrances, food, and natural products.