Determination of sensorial active trace compounds by multi-dimensional gas chromatography combined with different enrichment techniques

Gas chromatographic equipment and appropriate procedures are described for the identification and determination of sensorial active compounds in complex mixtures. Different sampling systems (liquid injection, thermal desorption, dynamic headspace) were integrated in a single double-oven gas chromatograph, additionally allowing multi-dimensional separation, detection by simultaneous sniffing-mass spectrometric monitoring or micro-preparative enrichment of capillary effluents. The modular construction easily adapts to the diverse requirements of sample analysis without great modifications. The versatility and flexibility of such a combination are illustrated with different applications.