Characterization of aroma compounds in Liquidambar resin extracted using three methods

The aroma compounds of Liquidambar resin extracted using three different methods were compared. Nine key aroma compounds that contribute to the resin’s aroma were preliminarily identified through gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and odor activity value (OAV) results. These compounds include acetophenone (OAV: 64-173), β-myrcene (OAV: 36-124), borneol (OAV: 13-45), α-pinene (OAV: 25-41), β-pinene (OAV: 25-40), dl-limonene (OAV: 14-24), terpinolene (OAV: 11-22), <i>cis</i>-ocimene (OAV: 3-11), and cinnamaldehyde (OAV: 1-11). The sensory profiles of Liquidambar resin extracted by various methods were characterized through sensory evaluation. Additionally, OPLS analysis indicated that when HD, SFE (TC), and SFE (ODO) methods are used in combination, they tend to enhance the correlation with the original aroma. Upon synthesizing these findings, the principal aromatic compounds of LR were determined. The objective of this study is to furnish a theoretical basis for the enhancement of LR essential oil and the development of additional aromatic products by identifying the unique aromatic profile of LR.