The application of thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to the analyses of flower volatiles from five varieties of oilseed rape (Brassica napus spp. oleiferd)

Thermal desorption coupled to capillary gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry has been used to identify volatile chemicals released from the flowers of five varieties of oilseed rape. An entrainment apparatus for volatile headspace analysis is described. The major classes of compound found were organic sulphides, C4 substituted compounds, aldehydes and terpenes. The possible role of these compounds in the human allergic‐type response associated with oilseed rape is discussed.