Aroma compound analysis of Eruca sativa (Brassicaceae) SPME headspace leaf samples using GC, GC-MS, and olfactometry

J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Jul 31;50(16):4643-6. doi: 10.1021/jf020129n.

Abstract

The aroma compounds of rocket salad (Eruca sativa) SPME headspace samples of fresh leaves were analyzed using GC, GC-MS, and olfactometry. More than 50 constituents of the Eruca headspace could be identified to be essential volatiles, responsible for the characteristic intense green; herbal; nutty and almond-like; Brassicaceae-like (direction of cabbage, broccoli, and mustard); and horseradish-like aroma of these salad leaves. As aroma impact compounds, especially isothiocyanates, and derivatives of butane, hexane, octane, and nonane were identified. 4-Methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate (14.2%), cis-3-hexen-1-ol (11.0%), cis-3-hexenyl butanoate (10.8%), 5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate (9.3%), cis-3-hexenyl 2-methylbutanoate (5.4%), and 5-methylthiopentanenitrile (5.0%) were found in concentrations higher than 5.0% (calculated as % peak area of GC analysis using a nonpolar column).

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / analysis
  • Brassicaceae / chemistry*
  • Butanes / analysis
  • Chromatography, Gas*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry*
  • Hexanes / analysis
  • Isothiocyanates / analysis
  • Octanes / analysis
  • Odorants*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Smell*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Butanes
  • Hexanes
  • Isothiocyanates
  • Octanes
  • butane
  • nonane
  • octane