Degradation of alpha-pinene on Tenax during sample storage: effects of daylight radiation and temperature.

The behavior of alpha-pinene sampled on adsorption cartridges filled with Tenax TA has been investigated in relation to different storage conditions, focusing on daylight radiation and temperature. After sampling, the respective cartridges containing the terpene were placed in sunlight on the windowsill for up to 1 month. Corresponding samples have been wrapped in aluminum foil to prevent the influence of daylight radiation. Additional sample cartridges with alpha-pinene were stored in the refrigerator at 4 degrees C and a freezer at -18 degrees C. All cartridges were analyzed using thermodesorption injection onto a gas chromatograph, and the compounds were detected using either a cryocondensation-interface to a Fourier transform infrared-spectrometer (GC/FT-IR) or the flame ionization detector (FID). In summary, 12 compounds were detected and identified, from which eight were products that were formed on Tenax through different mechanisms. Two compounds seemed to be formed under the influence of daylight radiation, while the others appear to be mainly autoxidation products. Estimates after 1 month of storage showed recoveries of over 99% for wrapped samples, while for unwrapped cartridges only about 88% of alpha-pinene was found. A pattern of up to five compounds was found that can be used as an indicator for storage reactions.