- Essential Oils: These are concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from various parts of plants (leaves, flowers, bark, resin etc.). They are the volatile components that are captured by steam/hydro distillation. They are the plant’s natural scent and have therapeutic properties. Essential oils have been used for centuries in aromatherapy, perfumery, and traditional medicine.
- Fragrance Oils: Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are synthetic or partially synthetic. They mimic natural scents and are commonly used in perfumes, cosmetics, candles, and household products.
Fragrance oils project
At the John Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility we study essential oils, fragrance oils, and their analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We do this to identify the chemical components present and to assess the purity for adulteration, preservatives, and chemical additives.
Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils:
Lilac fragrance oil
Lilacs, also called Syringa in science, are famous for being beautifully delicate and having a captivating smell. These plants, which lose their leaves in winter, are like small trees or bushes and belong to the olive family.
Lilac fragrance oil
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS):
- GC-MS is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify chemical compounds in complex mixtures like essential oils.
- Here’s how it works:
- Gas Chromatography (GC): Separates the components of a sample based on their volatility. The sample is vaporized and passed through a column, where different compounds elute at different times.
- Mass Spectrometry (MS): Identifies compounds by measuring their mass-to-charge ratio. The separated compounds enter the mass spectrometer, where they are ionized and fragmented. The resulting mass spectra provide information about the compound’s structure.
- GC-MS helps researchers identify individual compounds in essential oils, assess purity, and detect adulteration.
Adulteration, Preservatives, and Chemical Additives
- Adulteration: Unfortunately, some essential oils are adulterated with cheaper oils or synthetic compounds. Adulteration affects quality and therapeutic efficacy.
- Preservatives: In commercial products (like cosmetics), preservatives prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. However, natural essential oils don’t typically require preservatives.
- Chemical Additives: Some fragrance oils contain synthetic additives for stability, consistency, or enhanced scent. These additives may not be present in pure essential oils.