Volatile enrichment on automatic static headspace using a precolumn and stopping the carrier gas flow during injection

The aim of this study was to develop a technique for performing automatic static headspace analysis of volatiles without a cryogenic device. Reconcentration of solutes was accomplished using a graphitized carbon coated precolumn between two splitting points and stopping carrier gas flow during injection. Chromatographic profiles of volatile compounds from ground coffee compared with split and splitless injections provide confirmation of the good sensitivity of the technique. The analysis of a standard mixture covering a wide range of volatility confirms that the described technique might be useful to achieve enrichement of low volatile headspace compounds, even if discrimination against the various components is present.