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Analysis of diterpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS: contribution to the identification of main conifer resins

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Abstract

The three principal types of molecules composing diterpenic resins are the abietanes, pimaranes and labdanes. The study of their fragmentation was performed by gas chromatography coupled to an ion trap mass spectrometer, on standards and resins used in paint varnishes: colophony and sandarac. We found that the general fragmentation pattern was mostly governed by the location of the double bonds on the different cycles and the presence of functional groups, and not by the nature of the C13 group in the case of abietanes and pimaranes. As for the labdanes, the loss of their alkyl chain is very specific. This study develops an analytical strategy using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments to validate the proposed mechanisms of fragmentation and to find the ions of interest for the identification of diterpenic molecules.

Analysis of diterpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS

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    1. Equipe Ingénierie de la Restauration des Patrimoines Naturel et Culturel–IMBE UMR 7263 CNRS–IRD 237, Université d’Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse, 84000, Avignon, France

      Clara Azemard, Matthieu Menager & Catherine Vieillescazes

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    1. Clara Azemard
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    Clara Azemard and Matthieu Menager contributed equally to this work.

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    Azemard, C., Menager, M. & Vieillescazes, C. Analysis of diterpenic compounds by GC-MS/MS: contribution to the identification of main conifer resins. Anal Bioanal Chem 408, 6599–6612 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-016-9772-9

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