Chirospecific analysis in flavor and essential oil chemistry Part B. Direct enantiomer resolution of frans-?-ionone and trans-?-damascone by inclusion gas chromatography

Optimization and validation of a SPME-GC/MS method for the determination of volatile compounds, including enantiomeric analysis, in northern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Blueberry aroma is one of the most important quality traits that influences consumer purchasing decisions. This study aimed to optimize and validate a solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) method for the quantification of 73 volatile compounds in northern highbush blueberries. A SPME extraction of blueberries with water and specific proportions of sodium chloride, citric acid, and ascorbic acid, for 60 min at 50 °C using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber was optimal. The method was validated for sensitivity, reproducibility, linearity, and accuracy, and used to quantify volatile compounds through matrix-matched calibration curves in six blueberry cultivars ('Duke', 'Draper', 'Bluecrop', 'Calypso', 'Elliott', and 'Last Call'). Terpenes represented the most abundant volatile fraction, followed by aldehydes and alcohols. Linalool and 2-(E)-hexenal were key compounds that differentiated blueberry cultivars via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Enantiomeric analyses revealed an excess of (-)-limonene, (-)-α-pinene, and (+)-linalool for all cultivars with potential impacts on the blueberry aroma.

Preparation of α-damascone

α-Damascone is widely used in perfumes. However, the manufacture of α-damascone remains challenging owing to the limitations of current production processes. Herein, α-damascone was successfully synthesized from α-ionone using a new route involving only four steps, namely oximization, epoxidation, dehydration, and reduction. The total yield was 54.9% with a final chemical purity of 97% (by GC). Only water, cyclohexane, and ethanol were used in the reactions except in the purification step, and all solvents could be recycled. The structures of the intermediates and target compound were identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR analyses and MS experiments. This route is a simple and successful method for the industrial preparation of α-damascone.

Determination of Volatile Flavour Profiles of Citrus spp. Fruits by SDE-GC-MS and Enantiomeric Composition of Chiral Compounds by MDGC-MS

INTRODUCTION

Citrus fruits are known to have characteristic enantiomeric key compounds biosynthesised by highly stereoselective enzymatic mechanisms. In the past, evaluation of the enantiomeric ratios of chiral compounds in fruits has been applied as an effective indicator of adulteration by the addition of synthetic compounds or natural components of different botanical origin.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the volatile flavour compounds of Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka (yuzu), Citrus limon BURM. f. (lemon) and Citrus aurantifolia Christm. Swingle (lime), and determine the enantiomeric ratios of their chiral compounds for discrimination and authentication of extracted oils.

METHODOLOGY

Volatile flavour compounds of the fruits of the three Citrus species were extracted by simultaneous distillation extraction and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The enantiomeric composition (ee%) of chiral camphene, sabinene, limonene and β-phellandrene was analysed by heart-cutting multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven (C. junos), 77 (C. limon) and 110 (C. aurantifolia) volatile compounds were identified with limonene, γ-terpinene and linalool as the major compounds. Stereochemical analysis (ee%) revealed 1S,4R-(-) camphene (94.74, 98.67, 98.82), R-(+)-limonene (90.53, 92.97, 99.85) and S-(+)-β-phellandrene (98.69, 97.15, 92.13) in oil samples from all three species; R-(+)-sabinene (88.08) in C. junos; and S-(-)-sabinene (81.99, 79.74) in C. limon and C. aurantifolia, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The enantiomeric composition and excess ratios of the chiral compounds could be used as reliable indicators of genuineness and quality assurance of the oils derived from the Citrus fruit species. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical vs. biotechnological synthesis of C13-apocarotenoids: current methods, applications and perspectives

Apocarotenoids are natural compounds derived from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Particularly, C13-apocarotenoids are volatile compounds that contribute to the aromas of different flowers and fruits and are highly valued by the Flavor and Fragrance industry. So far, the chemical synthesis of these terpenoids has dominated the industry. Nonetheless, the increasing consumer demand for more natural and sustainable processes raises an interesting opportunity for bio-production alternatives. In this regard, enzymatic biocatalysis and metabolically engineered microorganisms emerge as attractive biotechnological options. The present review summarizes promising bioengineering approaches with regard to chemical production methods for the synthesis of two families of C13-apocarotenoids: ionones/dihydroionones and damascones/damascenone. We discuss each method and its applicability, with a thorough comparative analysis for ionones, focusing on the production process, regulatory aspects, and sustainability.

Authenticity of raspberry flavor in food products using SPME-chiral-GC-MS

A fast and simple method for authenticating raspberry flavors from food products was developed. The two enantiomers of the compound (E)‐α‐ionone from raspberry flavor were separated on a chiral gas chromatographic column. Based on the ratio of these two enantiomers, the naturalness of a raspberry flavor can be evaluated due to the fact that a natural flavor will consist almost exclusively of the R enantiomer, while a chemical synthesis of the same compound will result in a racemic mixture. Twenty‐seven food products containing raspberry flavors where investigated using SPME‐chiral‐GC‐MS. We found raspberry jam, dried raspberries, and sodas declared to contain natural aroma all contained almost only R‐(E)‐α‐ionone supporting the content of natural raspberry aroma. Six out of eight sweets tested did not indicate a content of natural aroma on the labeling which was in agreement with the almost equal distribution of the R and S isomer. Two products were labeled to contain natural raspberry flavors but were found to contain almost equal amounts of both enantiomers indicating a presence of synthetic raspberry flavors only. Additionally, two products that were labeled to contain both raspberry juice and flavor showed equal amounts of both enantiomers, indicating the presence of synthetic flavor.

Volatile compounds of raspberry fruit: from analytical methods to biological role and sensory impact

Volatile compounds play a key role in the formation of the well-recognized and widely appreciated raspberry aroma. Studies on the isolation and identification of volatile compounds in raspberry fruit (Rubus idaeus L.) are reviewed with a focus on aroma-related compounds. A table is drawn up containing a comprehensive list of the volatile compounds identified so far in raspberry along with main references and quantitative data where available. Two additional tables report the glycosidic bond and enantiomeric distributions of the volatile compounds investigated up to now in raspberry fruit. Studies on the development and evolution of volatile compounds during fruit formation, ripening and senescence, and genetic and environmental influences are also reviewed. Recent investigations showing the potential role of raspberry volatile compounds in cultivar differentiation and fruit resistance to mold disease are reported as well. Finally a summary of research done so far and our vision for future research lines are reported.

Influence of cage confinement on the photochemistry of matrix-isolated E-β-ionone: FT-IR and DFT study

β-ionone, a model compound of carotenoids ring structure, was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy in a low-temperature argon matrix as well as using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and MP2/6-311++G(d,p) quantum-chemical calculations. The spectrum of matrix-isolated E-β-ionone was analyzed and attributed to six conformers of the compound. Then, matrix-isolated E-β-ionone was submitted to UV irradiation using either a broadband source (with different cutoff filters) or a narrowband laser/MOPO system (at various wavelengths). Upon 240 nm narrowband irradiation, the formation of both Z-retro-γ-ionone and Z-β-ionone was observed, the reactant and the photoproducts being in a photostationary equilibrium. Under these conditions, the matrix environment was found to hamper subsequent reactions of Z-retro-γ-ionone and Z-β-ionone, so that this last species could be observed directly for the first time. Furthermore, the formation of Z-retro-γ-ionone was shown to occur directly via an intramolecular [1,5] H-atom shift and thereby, under the constraints imposed by the matrix confinement, the conformations assumed by this photoproduct were found to be strictly determined by those initially assumed by the reactant molecules. Broadband irradiation resulted in the completion of the reaction (disappearance of the reactant) and the sole observation of Z-retro-γ-ionone. These results imply that under these conditions the Z-β-ionone is unstable, very likely decaying to additional conformers of Z-retro-γ-ionone, as reflected in the broader bands due to this photoproduct observed in the infrared spectra of the broadband irradiated matrix.

Comprehensive authentication of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone from raspberries, using constant flow MDGC-C/P-IRMS and enantio-MDGC-MS

A new coupling system of GC-GC, connected via a Multi Column Switching Device MCS2 for measuring isotope ratios, is introduced. By means of several standard substances the precise and accurate measurement of isotopic values is proved. First applications concerning the authentication of raspberry aroma compounds are established. Consequently, the combination of constant flow multidimensional gas chromatography-combustion/pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (MDGC-C/P-IRMS) is applied to the authenticity assessment of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone from six different raspberry cultivars. Furthermore, 12 commercially available raspberry products and samples of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone, some declared to be natural, are investigated. delta(2)Eta(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone are determined, and characteristic authenticity ranges were concluded from raspberries by correlation of both delta(2)Eta(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C( V)(-)(PDB) values. The results are correlated with the determination of enantiomeric purities of (E)-alpha-ionone, using stir bar sorptive extraction enantio-multidimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SBSE-enantio-MDGC-MS).

A simple and efficient highly enantioselective synthesis of alpha-ionone and alpha-damascone

An efficient highly enantioselective (ee > or =99%) synthesis of alpha-ionone and alpha-damascone is described. Both enantiomers of title compounds were synthesized through two straightforward pathways diverging from enantiopure (R)- or (S)-alpha-cyclogeraniol. These versatile building blocks were obtained by regioselective ZrCl(4)-promoted biomimetic cyclization of (6S)- or (6R)-(Z)-6,7-epoxygeraniol, respectively, followed by deoxygenation of the so formed secondary alcohol. The chiral information was encoded by a highly regioselecive Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation of inexpensive geranyl acetate.

Enantiomer separation of alpha-ionone using gas chromatography with cyclodextrin derivatives as chiral stationary phases

The gas chromatographic enantiomer separation of alpha-ionone was studied with three different chiral stationary phases using as chiral selectors: (1) heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin, dissolved in polysiloxane PS-086, (2) octakis(2,6-di-O-pentyl-3-O-trifluoroacetyl)-gamma-cyclodextrin and (3) octakis(2,6-di-O-pentyl-3-O-butanoyl)-gamma-cyclodextrin, both dissolved in polysiloxane SE-54. The influence of the concentration of the chiral selector in the polysiloxane, coated on Chromosorb P AW-DMCS 80-100 mesh, is described and discussed, as well as the effect of Chromosorb loading. The feasibility of the preparative gas chromatographic separation of the enantiomers of alpha-ionone is considered; in order to provide a term of comparison, the estimated performances are compared with those achieved in the separation of the enantiomers of the inhalation anaesthetic enflurane.

Chromatography of tea constituents

Modern chromatographic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography are currently the most helpful approach to the routine analysis of and research of non-volatile tea constituents. Using these techniques some errors in the more classical analytical techniques could be detected. Unfortunately, some of these methods of analysis are still in widespread use, even as official methods. However, knowledge of especially the polyphenols in tea is still lacking, and for many of the minor polyphenols no chromatographic methods for the determination exist.