Pheromone analysis using capillary gas chromatographic techniques

The application of capillary gas chromatography to the analysis of pheromon es is reviewed together with associated sampling and detection techniques. Solventless injection and solid-phase micro-extraction are highlighted and examples of the utility of micro-chemical derivatisations to assist structu re determination are given. The use of a variety of column phases to increa se resolution, confirm structure and estimate vapour pressure is discussed along with the separation of chiral pheromones on chiral phases and the use of dual-column GC systems. In addition to traditional detection systems, i ncluding mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy the specialist techniques of electroantennography and single cell recording are described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.