Analysis and Identification of Odor-active Compounds in Leaves of Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees

The object of this study was to identify odor-active compounds in leaves of Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees. Headspace solid phase micro extraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) was utilized, while GC-MS analysis involved both a polar column (DB-WAX) and a weak polar column (DB-5), and GC-O analysis adopted direct aroma intensity detection and a DB-5 column. The compounds were identified by search of Nist 2010 mass spectral library and comparison with the published retention indices and odor characteristics. In total, eighty-eight volatiles were identified in GC-MS analysis, where linalool, coumarin, δ-cadinene, santalene, α-copaene, styrene, β-santalene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, bornyl acetate, and 1,8-cineole showed high levels (>1%). However, just twenty three odor-active compounds were identified during GC-O analysis. According to the score of odor intensity (≥ 3), trans-cinnamaldehyde, linalool, 4-terpineol, bornyl acetate, β-santalene, and ethyl cinnamate were considered to contribute highly to the overall aroma. The results could provide guidance for development and application of Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees.