Publication: Forensic screening of phthalate compounds in perfumes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chemometric analysis
Date
2026
Authors
Fadzil, Nur Faqihah Mohd
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Abstract
Acid ester compounds, especially phthalate esters, are now more frequently used as fixatives and solvents in commercial perfumes due to the extensive use of synthetic fragrance compositions. Phthalates are rarely disclosed in formulations despite known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Concerns about consumer exposure are raised from a toxicological, regulatory, and forensic perspective. This work aims to use gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) to perform a forensic screening of acid ester chemicals in perfumes. From the local market, 45 perfume samples of various concentration categories (perfume oil, extrait de parfum, eau de parfum, and eau de toilette) were gathered. GCMS was used to screen and find traces of phthalates in the samples. By comparing mass spectrum data with the NIST library and concentrating on diagnostic fragment ions typical of phthalates, the discovered chemicals were tentatively identified. To improve detection specificity, Extracted Ion Chromatograms (EICs) were employed. To separate perfume samples according to their chemical profiles, GCMS data was subjected to chemometric analysis, specifically Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The study shows that GCMS is a sensitive and trustworthy method for identifying acid ester chemicals in intricate scent matrices. Phthalates are present in many types of perfumes, which emphasises the significance of regular analytical monitoring, clear labelling, and regulatory enforcement. Forensic interpretation is strengthened, and sample discrimination is further supported through the inclusion of chemometric techniques. All things considered, this work offers a solid foundation for assessing chemical safety and conducting forensic analysis of scent mixtur
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