Headspace solid-phase microextraction analysis of artificial flavors

Using a non-equilibrated sofid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique, differentiation between a wide variety of types and examples of artificial flavors has been demonstrated. Addition of an internal standard to the samples, as received, allowed for the calculation of yields on a mu g g(-1) basis for the majority of headspace volatiles. The relative standard deviation values expressed as percentages were between 3 and 5%. The precise nature of the approach coupled with the compound identification capacity of the mass spectrometer afforded the capability to easily differentiate between multiple sources of artificial flavors. With a total analysis time of approximately 30 min and the absence of solvent, this approach has the capability of detecting and quantifying the presence of the low-molecular-weight solvents often used in the preparation of artificial flavors. Such a capability represents a distinct advantage over more conventional methods of solvent dilution. Results from conventional gas chromatography/mass selective detector analyses are contrasted and compared with the results obtained from the headspace SPME approach. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.