GC-MS Determination of Volatile Components of Flowers of White Clove

Volatile components in white clove flower were separated from the sample by steam distillation and ether extraction successively.After dehydration with anhydrous Na2SO4,the extract was evaporated on a water bath to drive off ether.The lightly yellow colored floral essence obtained was separated by GC separately on 2 chromatographic columns with different polarity,i.e.,the DB-17 and HP-5MS columns,for its componental compounds which were identified and determined by MS.It was found that 46 main components were found in both of the products separated by DB-17 column and HP-5MS column.But 2 compounds which were separated by the DB-17 column,were not found in the products from HP-5MS column,while one compound separated by HP-5MS was not found in products from DB-17.In a further study by using the EIC method and the method of peak purity review of the data analysis soft ware,the existence of the 3 compounds was confirmed.Evidently,although a single chromatographic column is feasible to be used for the separation for the main volatile components of the floral essence,but for more complete separation and more accurate identification,use of 2 columns with different polarity is more preferrable,and the help of the methods for further confirmation is also necessary.