Qualitative analysis of the smoke-stream of different kinds of incense by SPME/GC-MS

Abstract

Seventeen different kinds of incenses were analyzed for the volatile components emitted during burning using a HS-SPME method coupled with GC-MS, in order to check their conformity to IFRA (International Fragrance Association) guidelines and 67/548/CEE Directive rules. A total of 51 volatiles were identified in the smoke of the incenses. They were represented mainly by aromatic compounds (17) and oxygenated monoterpenes (10), with esters (5) and aldehydes (4) being the most widespread volatiles in the former, and alcohols (4) and esters (4) in the latter. The aromatic ester benzyl benzoate and the oxygenated sesquiterpene patchouli alcohol were the most frequent volatile compounds, occurring in the smokes emitted from 10 and 8 kinds of incenses, respectively.