Application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry in the analysis of volatile oil of traditional Chinese medicines

This paper reports comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOF MS) analysis of Pogostemon cablin Benth (Cablin Patchouli) volatile oil. The suitable column system and operation conditions were chosen on the basis of the properties of composition of the volatile oil. One-dimensional gas chromatography (1D-GC) and GC × GC, GC–MS and GC × GC–TOF MS were compared under appropriate conditions, and the enhanced sensitivity and superior resolution of GC × GC were demonstrated. 394 components were tentatively identified by GC × GC–TOF MS.