An example of the separation of lime oil employing modern GC techniques is shown in figure 39. The separation was carried out on a SB–5 column, that contained poly(5%diphenyl-95%–dimethylsiloxane) as the stationary phase. Although the diphenyl group will contribute some induced polarizability capability to interact with polar solutes, it is largely a dispersive stationary phase, and thus substances are eluted roughly in order of their boiling points (excepting very polar solutes). The introduction of the diphenyl groups contributes more to phase temperature stability than it does to solute selectivity. The column was 30 m long, 250 mm I.D. carrying a film 0.25 mm thick of stationary phase. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a linear velocity of 25 cm/sec(set at 155˚C).
| 1. a–Pinene | 7. g–Terpinene | 13. Geraniol |
| 2. Camphene | 8. Terpinolene | 14. Neryl Acetate |
| 3. b–Pinene | 9. Linalool | 15. Geranyl Acetate |
| 4. Myrcene | 10. Terpinene–4–ol | 16. Caryophyllene |
| 5. p–Cymene | 11. a–Terpineol | 17.trans–a–Bergamotene |
| 6. Limonene | 12. Neral | 18. b–Bisabolen |
Courtesy of Supelco Inc.
Figure 39 A Chromatogram of Lime Oil
The column was held isothermally for 8 min. at 75˚C and then programmed up to 200˚C at 4˚c/min. and finally held at 200˚C for 4 min. The sample volume was 0.5 ml which was split at 100:1 ratio allowing about 5 mg to be placed on the column. It is seen from figure 5 that a very good separation is obtained that convincingly confirms the complex nature of the essential oil. In practice, however, the net flavor or odor impact can often be achieved by a relatively simple mixture of synthetic compounds.
