Full-dimensional Gas Chromatography - Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry For The Study Of Essential Oils

GCxGC is a novel separation method for complex samples emerging in the 1990's. After the idea was prompted and implemented, it is experiencing rapid development.In the thesis, we firstly demonstrated characteristics of GCxGC-TOFMS using petroleum samples, discussed influence of column match and modulation conditions on separation, and gave a strategy of system optimization and suggested the concept of two dimensional resolution, providing technological foundation for separation of complex samples.On the above basis, GCxGC-TOFMS was applied to study volatile oils of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs). Column system and operation conditions were optimized. Applicability of GCxGC and its methodology for TCMs was investigated. Components of three volatile oils were identified with 2D Rts, peak purity and multiple modulation information from TOFMS, concentration sums of which were more than 90% for each sample. Further study of patchouli was carried out with curative components completely separated and accurately quantified. Three assessing methods of TCMs were suggested; especially the method based on effective group separation can reflect the complexity and the entirety of TCMs to the most. With GCxGC alone, fast group identification of a curcuma volatile oil was achieved, which indicates the prospective of GCxGC to screening and quality control of TCMs.