Gas-Liquid Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Detection and Identification of Ambergris

Abstract

A gas-liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for the detection and identification of ambergris in its natural state or in perfume preparations is described. Solid samples are extracted; liquid samples are concentrated. Ambrein, a major component of ambergris, is separated by gas-liquid chromatography on an OV-17 capillary column, detected by flame ionization, and identified by mass spectrometry. Sample retention times and mass spectra were compared with those of purified material isolated from reference ambergris samples. Several types of perfume-related samples were tested. This method was satisfactory for samples of high concentration such as ambergris extracts and also for samples of low ambrein concentration typical of perfume formulations.