The development of ultrasound-assisted extraction/dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with DSI-GC-IT/MS for analysis of essential oil from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl.

Abstract

In this study, a simple and novel method was successfully developed for extraction and preconcentration of essential oil from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. by using ultrasound-assisted extraction/dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (UAE-DLLME) coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap/mass spectrometry (GC-IT/MS) using a direct sample introduction (DSI) device. The optimum parameters of UAE-DLLME were investigated. The optimum conditions of an extraction solvent of toluene, a dispersive solvent of acetone, and an ultrasound time of 10 min were obtained and applied to the extraction of essential oil compounds from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. The main volatile and semi-volatile compounds from Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. at different florescences ((A) flower buds; (B) the initial flowering stage; (C) the full flowering stage; (D) the final flowering stage) were studied. The results showed that 36 substances were identified, including alkanes, alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, lipids, and compounds containing nitrogen (N), all of which contributing a lot to the fragrance of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. In this study, a simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly approach was developed for analysis of essential oil compounds from fresh flowers of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. at different florescences.