Non-Targeted and Targeted Aroma Analysis of Name- Brand and Imitation Perfume Samples by GC×GC-HRT

Importance of the Topic

This study addresses the critical need for comprehensive chemical profiling in fragrance analysis. By combining non-targeted and targeted approaches, analysts can uncover both known and unexpected components that influence product quality, authenticity and sensory characteristics. Such capability is vital for quality control, counter-feiting detection and formulation development in the perfume industry.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

The primary goal was to compare a leading brand perfume and two lower-cost imitations using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques. The study aimed to identify both expected target ingredients listed by the brand and additional aroma-active compounds through non-targeted screening, highlighting differences in composition and potential impact on odor profile.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Perfume samples were diluted in ethanol and analyzed in triplicate using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-HR-TOFMS) on a LECO Pegasus GC-HRT 4D system.

• Gas chromatograph: Agilent 7890 with MPS2 autosampler
• Injection: 1 µL splitless at 250 °C
• Columns: 1st dimension Rxi-5ms (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm), 2nd dimension Rxi-17SilMS (1.20 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm)
• Oven program: 40 °C (2 min) to 280 °C at 5 °C/min; secondary oven +15 °C offset
• Modulation: 3 s period with +15 °C offset
• Carrier gas: He at 1.0 mL/min constant flow
• Mass spectrometer: LECO Pegasus GC-HRT 4D, EI ionization, m/z 33–500, resolution 25 000 (FWHM), 100 spectra/s acquisition

Main Findings and Discussion

Targeted screening confirmed 16 known brand ingredients in all three samples, with relative abundance variations indicating formulation differences. Non-targeted analysis revealed hundreds of additional compounds, including key musk odorants. Some musks such as normuscone, muscone and musk amberol were exclusive to the brand, while ethylene brassylate, galaxolide and musk ketone appeared selectively in one or both imitations. Odor descriptors ranged from animalic, powdery and woody to floral and soapy, illustrating how choice of musk compounds alters overall scent character.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced Authentication: Differentiation between authentic and imitation products through unique compound markers.
• Quality Control: Comprehensive fingerprinting ensures consistency of target and non-target analytes.
• Product Development: Insight into minor aroma contributors supports optimized fragrance formulations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in high-throughput GC×GC-HRMS and data analytics will further refine non-targeted profiling. Machine learning models may predict sensory impact from complex chemical datasets, enabling rapid screening of new formulations. Integration with ambient ionization techniques could broaden analysis of volatile profiles in real time during manufacturing.

Conclusion

The dual targeted and non-targeted GC×GC-HR-TOFMS approach provides deep compositional insight into fragrances. By revealing both known ingredients and unexpected aroma compounds, it offers a powerful tool for quality assurance, authenticity verification and fragrance innovation. This analytical strategy is directly applicable to diverse fields requiring detailed volatile profiling.