Multidimensional capillary GC-GC for the analysis of complex samples. 5. Enantiomeric distribution of monoterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene alcohols, and linalyl acetate of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau) oils

The enantiomeric distribution of β-pinene, sabinene, limonene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, and linalyl acetate in cold-pressed, "torchiati", "ricicli", "pulizia dischi", "distilled", and "bergapten-free" bergamot oils has been determined using a fully automated, multidimensional, double-oven, GC-GC system. This system allows fractions to be multitransferred during the same GC analysis and the use of the two GCs independently when the multitransfer option is not used. The results obtained allowed the characterization of the cold-pressed bergamot oils, to determine the variations of the enantiomeric distribution of some components during the whole production season, and to correlate the enantiomeric ratios with the technology of oil isolation.