Analysis of Macacaporanga (Aniba parviflora) Leaf Essential Oil by Using Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography Combined with Rapid-Scanning Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

The present research is focused on the use of a comprehensive 2D GC methodology, in the analysis of a Brazilian essential oil, viz., Macacaporanga leaf oil. A rapid scanning quadrupole mass spectrometer (qMS), employed as detection system and operated at a 20 Hz scanning frequency, supplied high quality mass spectra. The effectiveness of the threedimensional GC x GC-qMS experiment was compared to that of GC-qMS analysis on the same sample. Peak identification, in both applications, was achieved through MS library matching with the support of linear retention index (LRI) data.

Introduction
Single column gas chromatography in combination with a flame ionization detector (FID) and/or a mass spectrometer is commonly employed in the elucidation of essential oil profiles. The latter are to be considered medium to highly complex matrices and, hence, can only be partially resolved even using a conventional column. Inevitably, several essential oil peaks are the result of two or more overlapping compounds, often complicating or hindering reliable identification and quantitation. Consequently, the employment of more powerful analytical techniques in this specific research field is desirable.