A Study of the Behavior of Maillard Reaction Products Analyzed by Solid-Phase Microextraction--Gas Chromatography--Mass Selective Detection

Aqueous solutions and headspace above volatile and semivolatile compounds associated with the Maillard reaction and sugar thermal degradation are analyzed using solid-phase microextraction. The structure of the model compounds is shown to have a dramatic effect on the rate, equilibration time, and amount of compound adsorbed. Alkyl and alkoxy substitution on the ring of pyrazines, pyridines, thiazoles, and furfurals result in increases in the rates and amounts of compound adsorbed. The presence of multiple components in the aqueous solution results in a significant competition for adsorption onto the solid-phase microextraction fiber. Increases in the amount and rate of adsorption were found upon addition of NaCl.