Analysis and Comparison of Limonene Content in Oranges Using GC/MS
Disciplines
Analytical Chemistry
Abstract (300 words maximum)
D-Limonene (C10H16) is a fragrant molecule found commonly in the peels of citrus fruits. This monoterpene is notable for its distinctive aroma and has been found to possess some beneficial health properties. Some recent studies have shown that the compound has minor cancer fighting properties, inhibiting certain tumor development pathways. In our quantitative analysis, an optimized extraction procedure has been utilized to obtain limonene from freshly peeled orange rinds followed by the quantification of limonene using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). D-Limonene, as well as the added internal standard used, have been clearly identified and well resolved in a 23-minute gas chromatographic elution, allowing quantification based on both external calibration and quantification using an internal standard to be performed. Limonene content from Cara Cara orange peels extracted by ethyl acetate have shown higher mass percent (2.1% ~ 1.7%) than that from reported values (~ 1.6% wt) in literature using methanol as the extracting solvent. The full dynamic linear range, the limit of detection, and the linearity of this analysis will be explored.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Wei Zhou
Analysis and Comparison of Limonene Content in Oranges Using GC/MS
D-Limonene (C10H16) is a fragrant molecule found commonly in the peels of citrus fruits. This monoterpene is notable for its distinctive aroma and has been found to possess some beneficial health properties. Some recent studies have shown that the compound has minor cancer fighting properties, inhibiting certain tumor development pathways. In our quantitative analysis, an optimized extraction procedure has been utilized to obtain limonene from freshly peeled orange rinds followed by the quantification of limonene using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). D-Limonene, as well as the added internal standard used, have been clearly identified and well resolved in a 23-minute gas chromatographic elution, allowing quantification based on both external calibration and quantification using an internal standard to be performed. Limonene content from Cara Cara orange peels extracted by ethyl acetate have shown higher mass percent (2.1% ~ 1.7%) than that from reported values (~ 1.6% wt) in literature using methanol as the extracting solvent. The full dynamic linear range, the limit of detection, and the linearity of this analysis will be explored.