Determination Of Hexanal In Foods Utilizing Dynamic Headspace

Hexanal is one of many well-documented aromatic components that contribute to flavor and aroma in common consumer food products containing omega-6 fatty acids. Hexanal content is also used to measure the oxidative status of foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

The hexanal content of two common consumer food products, rice and infant formula, was evaluated for hexanal content. Dynamic headspace was used to concentrate hexanal from food products, minimizing labor intensive solvent extraction and clean up. The hexanal was then separated from other volatile compounds and quantitated with a GC/MS.