Determination of balsamic acids and esters by gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract

A gas-liquid chromatographic method for the determination of balsamic acids and esters in crude drugs is described. Methylation of free acids is followed by a single-stage separation and quantitative determination of methyl and benzyl esters of benzoic and cinnamic acids. Results are presented for the column parameters and reproducibility of the method. The analysis of a commercial sample of tolu balsam is reported; the interpretation of the results may offer additional information to that obtained from official standards.