Rapid Analysis of the Volatile Compounds in the Rhizomes of Rhodiola sachalinensis and Rhodiola sacra by Static Headspace-Gas Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

A rapid static headspace-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was used to determine and to identify the volatile compounds in the rhizomes of Rhodiola sachalinensis and Rhodiola sacra. The total ion chromatograms (TIC) of the rhizomes powders of the R. sachalinensis and R. sacra showed their differences in the volatiles compositions. Thirty two volatile compounds in the rhizome of R. sachalinensis were identified; the main volatile compounds are butanal, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-ethenyltetrahydro-2-pyran, limonene, linalool, geranial, 2-butanal, and 3-butanal. Twenty five volatile compounds in the rhizome of R. sacra were identified with butanal, 3-butanal, 2-butanal, β-pinene, limonene, terpinolene, and linalool. 2,6,6-Trimethyl-2-ethenyltetrahydro-2-pyran was further identified by the MS–MS technique. The applied method not only effectively differentiates the two species of Rhodiolas but also offers a prospective method for the quality control of aromatic medicine plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]