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Deibler, K.D., Acree, T.E., and Lavin, E.H.

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Gas Chromatography - Olfactometry (GC/O) of Vapor Phases,

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The use of gas chromatography - olfactometry to analyze vapor phases (headspaces) is one of the most sensitive methods to detect trace levels of odorants. First applied quantitatively to the study of stewed beef aroma, direct GC/O dilution analysis of vapor phases (GC/O-H) can be improved for some applications by combining it with solid phase microextraction (SPME). With SPME-GC/O a direct measure of vapor phases adjacent to solid foods can be analyzed without solvent extraction, purge and trap equipment, or large volume gas sampling. The GC/O analysis of vapor phases designed to simulate retronasal aroma (RAS) composition can also be simplified by SPME if a suitable verification and standardization process can be established. This paper will review the methods that have been used to analyze odor activity (potency) in vapor phases.

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