GC–MS, GC–O and enantio–GC investigation of the essential oil of Tarchonanthus camphoratus L.

Abstract The volatile fraction of Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. has been studied by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and GC–FID, leading to the determination of 90 components whose major were α ‐pinene (14.7 g/100 g), eucalyptol (14.8 g/100 g) and fenchyl alcohol (12.2 g/100 g). Gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) has been applied to the evaluation of the olfactive notes and their intensity. Also, the enantiomeric distribution of some relevant constituents has been assessed by enantio‐GC through the use of a chiral cyclodextrin‐based stationary phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.