RESUMEN
Soft, squashable toys known as squishies have become increasingly popular amongst children. In this study, one such toy was evaluated sensorially by a trained panel and analytically using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O) after thermal extraction of the sample. Sensory analysis revealed the presence of an intense and unpleasant odour exhibited by the sample. The smell was dominated by almond- and inflatable swimming aid-like, as well as malty and glue-like notes, but also pleasant odours that were described as caramel-like and coconut-like. GC-MS/O analysis identified 2-butoxyethanol, cyclohexanone, γ-nonalactone, and ethyl maltol as being the main causative substances for the overall odour of the product. The data additionally indicated that the pleasant smelling substances γ-nonalactone (coconut-like smell) and ethyl maltol (caramel-like smell) were intentionally added by the manufacturer to mask the unpleasant odour of the solvents.
Asunto(s)
Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Odorantes/análisis , Olfatometría/métodos , Juego e Implementos de Juego , Solventes/análisisRESUMEN
Based on the observation that the characteristic odour of inflatable aquatic toys for children is predominantly caused by residues of hazardous organic solvents, the concentrations of cyclohexanone, isophorone and phenol were determined in a selection of 20 products obtained from online suppliers located in Germany. Analytes were extracted with dichloromethane after the addition of non-labelled internal standards, and the volatile fraction was isolated using solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE). Extracts were then concentrated by Vigreux distillation and analysed by means of gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS). Furthermore, each sample was evaluated regarding its specific olfactory properties by an expert sensory panel. While some samples did not contain significant amounts of solvents, cyclohexanone concentrations above the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were determined in nine samples with six samples containing high concentrations ranging from about 1 to 7 g/kg cyclohexanone. Isophorone concentrations above the LLOQ were observed in eight samples. Thereby, six products contained between 0.3 and 1.6 g/kg isophorone and the remaining two samples contained even about 5 g/kg isophorone, each. Likewise, phenol concentrations exceeded the LLOQ in 14 cases, with four samples containing elevated amounts ranging from about 140 to 280 mg/kg phenol.
Asunto(s)
Ciclohexanonas/análisis , Sustancias Peligrosas/análisis , Fenol/análisis , Juego e Implementos de Juego , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Humanos , Límite de Detección , Odorantes/análisis , Olfato , Solventes/análisis , NataciónRESUMEN
A fancy dress accessory handbag for children was claimed by consumers to exhibit an offensive smell. Sensory characterization by an expert panel revealed, amongst others, rubber- and car tire - like notes. For elucidation of the molecular reasons of this sensory defect, the volatile fraction of the product was isolated by means of solvent extraction and high vacuum distillation. Identification of the main odorants was accomplished by means of one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography, with parallel mass spectrometric and olfactometric detection. In total more than 60 odorants were detected in the sample and more than 30 of these odour-active substances could be identified. Amongst them were a number of naphthalene derivatives as well as saturated and mono- or di-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The naphthalene derivatives that were identified in the children's article appeared to be mainly responsible for the characteristic off-odour. Additionally, a GC-MS-screening for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was performed, which revealed the presence of 15 PAHs in total. However, 14 of them were of no relevance for the smell of the product.
Asunto(s)
Odorantes/análisis , Niño , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas , Humanos , Olfatometría , Percepción Olfatoria , Olfato , Compuestos Orgánicos VolátilesRESUMEN
Based on the observation of intense and offensive smells in the product group of aquatic toys, four representative products were exemplarily chosen and sensorially characterized by an expert panel. Panellists reported mostly almond- and rubber-like notes for three of the four samples, whereas the smell of the fourth sample was dominated by organic solvent-associated notes such as "nail polish-like." To elucidate the molecular reasons of these smells, we isolated the volatile fraction of the product by solvent extraction and high vacuum distillation, and identified the main odorants by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), followed by one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography, with parallel mass spectrometric and olfactometric detection. Additionally, the materials of the samples were identified by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR-spectroscopy), and Beilstein halogen test. Between 32 and 46 odors could be detected in each sample by means of AEDA, whereby five to 13 of these compounds were detectable with by far the highest dilution factors, and were found to primarily correlate with the smells of the respective products. Focussing the subsequent identification on these causative substances led to the successful identification of the majority of these odorants. Among them were several mono- or di-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and their epoxidized derivatives, which are typical odorous artefacts from fatty acid oxidation, but also odor-active organic solvents such as cyclohexanone, isophorone, and phenol.