Gas-liquid chromatography of carotenoids and other terpenoids.

The retention behaviour of over seventy terpenoids on three silicone polymer liquid phases under both isothermal and temperature-programmed conditions is reported. Terpenoids with conjugated unsaturation (e.g., carotenoids) were hydrogenated prior to analysis in order to prevent thermal decomposition. Analyses of the acetates and TMS ethers of both the natural hydroxycarotenoids and their perhydroderivatives are also reported. In addition, a system is described for the routine analysis of terpenols, including those whose pyrophosphates are intermediates in sterol and carotenoid biosynthesis.