Profiling Volatile Organic Compounds in Whisky with GC×GC–MS
Researchers from Austria, Greece, and Italy conducted a study to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in Irish and Scotch whiskys using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Arrow with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC×GC–MS) to examine the organoleptic characteristics that influence the taste of spirits. The study sourced whisky samples from Vienna’s local market, and the results were published in the Journal of Chromatography A (1).
The researchers from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki, Greece, the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome in Rome, Italy, the University of Messina in Messina, Italy, and Vienna University of Technology in Vienna, Austria, purchased samples of Irish whisky, single malt Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky from a local market in Vienna. Among the most abundant aromatic VOCs in these and other whiskys are esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, and furanic and sulfur compounds.
An SPME Arrow method was used to extract VOCs from the headspace of whisky samples to concentrate the compounds of interest for subsequent analysis by GC×GC–MS. This combination offered a high degree of resolution in separating complex mixtures, allowing for the identification of various aromatic VOCs found in different whiskys, including esters, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, and sulfur compounds, according to the researchers.
The researchers concluded that the improved sensitivity and repeatability of the SPME Arrow method compared to traditional techniques offers significant promise for applications in quality control and authenticity assessment within the whisky industry to provide valuable insights into the composition and characteristics of distilled spirits.
Reference
(1) Ferracane, A.; Manousi, N.; Tranchida, P. Q.; et al. Exploring the Volatile Profile of Whiskey Samples Using Solid-Phase Microextraction Arrow and Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. J. Chromatogr. A 2022, 1676, 463241. DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463241
GC–TOF-MS Finds 250 Volatile Compounds in E-Cigarette Liquids
November 1st 2024A study has used gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer to build an electron ionization mass spectra database of more than 250 chemicals classified as either volatile or semi-volatile compounds. An additional, confirmatory layer of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis was subsequently performed.
Analytical Challenges in Measuring Migration from Food Contact Materials
November 2nd 2015Food contact materials contain low molecular weight additives and processing aids which can migrate into foods leading to trace levels of contamination. Food safety is ensured through regulations, comprising compositional controls and migration limits, which present a significant analytical challenge to the food industry to ensure compliance and demonstrate due diligence. Of the various analytical approaches, LC-MS/MS has proved to be an essential tool in monitoring migration of target compounds into foods, and more sophisticated approaches such as LC-high resolution MS (Orbitrap) are being increasingly used for untargeted analysis to monitor non-intentionally added substances. This podcast will provide an overview to this area, illustrated with various applications showing current approaches being employed.
Multivariate Design of Experiments for Gas Chromatographic Analysis
November 1st 2024Recent advances in green chemistry have made multivariate experimental design popular in sample preparation development. This approach helps reduce the number of measurements and data for evaluation and can be useful for method development in gas chromatography.
Detangling the Complex Web of GC × GC Method Development to Support New Users
November 1st 2024In this article, the authors describe a simple workflow to develop a GC×GC method for a specific sample upon initial use, with the aim of decreasing the time to accomplish functional workflows for new users.
Green Chemistry: What is it (and What Is It Not)? And How Does It Apply to Gas Chromatography?
October 31st 2024Everyone is talking about sustainability, and organizations are creating sustainability programs. But what does green chemistry really mean, and how does it apply to gas chromatography?
