Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons in Pineapple Fruit

The volatile constituents of pineapple fruit have been isolated under enzyme inhibition, enriched by liquid-liquid extraction, and fractionated on silica gel. Analysis of the nonpolar fraction by gas chromatography and coupled GC-MS showed at least 20 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons to be present, α-Copaene, β-ylangene, β-patchoulene, 7-gurjunene, germacrene D, α-muurolene, and 5-cadinene were identified via authentic samples and/or published data. One of the minor compounds of the fraction seems to be responsible for the fragrant odor (reminescent of fresh-cut pineapple).