Analysis of monoterpenes from conifer needles using solid phase microextraction

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Abstract
The applicability of solid phase microextraction (SPME) to the headspace analysis of monoterpene hydrocarbons from conifer needles was examined. To this end, the influences of fiber coating thickness, exposure time, and exposure temperature on the enrichment of the different monoterpene hydrocarbons were investigated. The distribution constants between polydimethylsiloxane fiber and gas phase at a given temperature were found to be very different. A relation is therefore derived to calculate the distribution constants of substances not available from their Kováts retention indices. A slightly different approach could be the use of so‐called “relative distribution factors”, not considering the actual volume of fiber coating. In view of the different enrichment conditions in SPME as well as the general problems of headspace analysis, a comparison with a completely different method of sample preparation is presented. Furthermore, some applications of SPME to the analysis of monoterpenes from pine needles are given.