Optimization of headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) for gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of aroma compound in palm sugar (Arenga pinnata)

This study was carried out to determine the optimum sampling temperature, sampling time and types of fibre for the analysis of palm sugar volatile compounds using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Sampling temperatures used in this study were 30, 40, 50and 60 degrees C; sampling times were 10, 20, 30 and 40 min; and there were four types of fibre coating, namely polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB), divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) and polyacrylate (PA). The results showed the most important groups of volatile compounds in palm sugar were N-heterocyclic and O-heterocyclic. The optimum parameter to determine both types of compounds was 50 degrees C sampling temperature, 10min sampling time and DVB/CAR/PDMS fibre, with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 11.68% and 9.88%, respectively. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.