Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Differences in Aroma Composition of Jasminum sambac ‘Bijian Danban Moli’ Flowers at Different Opening Stages

In order to study dynamic changes and variations in aroma between single- and double- petal jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac) during the opening process, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of jasmine aroma components at different opening periods. The results showed that phenylacetaldehyde, methyl anthranilate, methyl benzoate, α-farnesene, benzyl acetate were the major aroma components of jasmine flower. The contents of aroma components such as β-ethyl phenylacetate, methyl anthranilate, α-stigmasterol and α-farnesene in single-pedal jasmine flowers initially increased and subsequently decreased during the opening process, and so did the contents of aroma components such as benzyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate and benzyl benzoate in double-petal jasmine flowers, being higher at the end than in the beginning of the opening period. In addition, benzaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, and β-ethyl phenylacetate were the key substances responsible for the fresh and clean aroma of single-pedal jasmine flowers, while hexyl benzoate, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, and α-farnesene were the key substances contributing to the strong floral aroma of double-petal jasmine flowers. This study provides a basis for the application of single-pedal jasmine flowers in jasmine tea production.