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Identification of volatile degradation products from Baltic amber by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

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An Erratum to this article was published on 14 March 2012

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test and develop techniques for the detection and identification of volatile compounds released as degradation products by Baltic amber. During a preliminary investigation, the off-gassing of acidic volatiles was detected through the corrosion of lead coupons. The corrosive compounds released by the material were then identified as formic acid and acetic acid by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. During an advanced investigation, based on the use of artificial ageing to initiate degradation of model amber samples in different microclimates, the detected formic acid and acetic acid off-gassing appeared to be more intense in a dry environment with normal oxygen concentration. The release of formic and acetic acids by the amber was likely the result of radical reactions which should be investigated in further studies.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Jane Richter (School of Conservation, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts), Yvonne Shashoua and Jens Glastrup (Research, Analysis and Consulting Laboratory of the Department of Conservation, National Museum of Denmark) for invaluable supervision.

The School of Conservation of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and the Research, Analysis and Consulting Laboratory of the Department of Conservation, National Museum of Denmark, are thanked for providing all the materials and experimental equipment used for this research.

The European Union’s Marie Curie Programme is thanked for the financial support which made this study possible.

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  1. Gianluca Pastorelli

    Present address: The Bartlett School of Graduate Studies - Centre for Sustainable Heritage, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Conservation, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Esplanaden 34, 1263, Copenhagen K, Denmark

    Gianluca Pastorelli

  2. Research, Analysis and Consulting Laboratory of the Department of Conservation, National Museum of Denmark, IC Modewegsvej, Brede, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark

    Gianluca Pastorelli

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  1. Gianluca Pastorelli
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Correspondence to Gianluca Pastorelli.

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Pastorelli, G. Identification of volatile degradation products from Baltic amber by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 399, 1347–1353 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4424-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-4424-y

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