A novel device for the headspace trapping of volatiles: Studies with a model solution

Abstract

The use of a novel headspace volatile trapping apparatus consisting of a heated sample solution container, a heated upper part of the sample vessel, and a heated Tenax TA (2,6-diphenyl- p-phenyleneoxide polymer) tube for the collection of headspace volatiles from a model solution is described. Vapor from the sample solution was prevented from condensing on the interior surface of the sample vessel and the Tenax TA tube by maintaining the temperature of the heating parts at 45°C, the same as that of the sample solution. Removal of the water collected on Tenax TA prior to GC analysis was thus not required. Headspace volatiles were collected on the 200 mg of Tenax TA by passing high-purity nitrogen through the sample solution at a rate of 50 ml/min for 1 h. The model sample solution contained ethyl acetate, eight different alcohols, and 2,3-xylenol. Data on the effect of sodium chloride concentration of the sample solution on the collection of headspace volatiles is presented. The coefficients of variation of the GC peak areas of the compounds except for ethanol ranged from 1.9 to 15%.