Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Profiling Volatile Compounds in Blackcurrant Fruit using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 9, 2021
Determination of volatile constituents in spirits using headspace trap technology
Katja Schulz1, Jan Dressler, Eva-Maria Sohnius
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, D-01307 Dresden, Germany.
Headspace adsorbent traps combined with gas chromatography offer a highly efficient method for analyzing volatile compounds in spirits. This automated technique significantly improves extraction yields and accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Food and Beverage Science
- Separation Science
Background:
- Accurate determination of volatile constituents in spirits is crucial for quality control.
- Traditional static headspace sampling methods can lack sensitivity and efficiency.
- Higher alcohols and congeners significantly impact the aroma and flavor profile of spirits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate headspace adsorbent traps coupled with gas chromatography for analyzing volatile compounds in spirits.
- To compare the efficiency and accuracy of this novel method against established European reference procedures.
- To assess the applicability and ease of use of the automated headspace trap system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized headspace adsorbent trap technology, an enhanced static headspace system.
- Employed gas chromatography for the separation and analysis of volatile constituents.
- Compared results with the European reference procedure for validation.
Main Results:
- Achieved extraction yields 35-55 times higher than static headspace sampling.
- Demonstrated excellent agreement with the European reference procedure (R>0.98, p<0.0001).
- The fully automated procedure requires minimal sample preparation.
Conclusions:
- Headspace adsorbent traps coupled with gas chromatography provide a superior method for volatile compound analysis in spirits.
- The technique offers enhanced sensitivity, efficiency, and accuracy.
- The automated system is practical, user-friendly, and suitable for routine analysis.
More Related Videos
05:22Rapid Collection of Floral Fragrance Volatiles using a Headspace Volatile Collection Technique for GC-MS Thermal Desorption Sampling
Published on: December 10, 2019
08:10Fizzy Extraction of Volatile Organic Compounds Combined with Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry
Published on: July 14, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Volatilization
Distillation: Vapor–Liquid Equilibria
Mass Spectrometry: Alcohol Fragmentation
Gas Chromatography: Introduction
In GC, a sample is vaporized and mixed with an inert carrier gas (the mobile phase), which transports it through a column.
Gas Chromatography: Sample Injection Systems
Two primary injection methods are used...
Microbes in Beverage Production