Wood typification by Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry: the case of the endangered Mahogany tree

Venturi easy ambient sonic spray ionization mass spectrometry in both itsliquid(VL-EASI-MS) and solid sample modes (VS-EASI-MS) is shown to provide nearly immediate and secure typification of woods, as demonstrated for Mahogany, an endangered and mostvaluabletypeoftropical wood. Thisreddishwood displaysuniquephytochemical markers(phragmalin-typelimonoids) which are rapidly detected from the wood surface by VS-EASI-MS or from a simple methanol extract of a tiny wood chip by VL-EASI-MS. Unique profiles were obtained for Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) whereas genuine samples of six other similar types of woods, which are commonly falsified by artificial coloring and commercialized as Mahogany, display also typical but dissimilar pythochemical profiles as compared to that of the authentic wood. Variable and atypical chemical profiles were observed for artificially colored woods. Secure chemical characterization via VS-EASI-MS or Vs-EASI-MS fingerprints of Mahogany and other types of woods with similar appearance should help to control the illegal logging and trade of this and other endangered woods and their falsification, and to create certified standards. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.