Identification of intact long-chain p-hydroxycinnamate esters in leaf fibers of abaca (Musa textilis) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Abstract

The study of acetone extractable components from the leaf fibers of the non-wood plant abaca (Musa textilis) resulted in the isolation and identification of series of intact hydroxycinnamate esters consisting of ferulic and p-coumaric acids esterified to long chain fatty alcohols (C20 to C28) and ω-hydroxyfatty acids (C22 to C28). These series of compounds were characterized by high temperature gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using capillary columns (12 m length) with thin films that allowed the analysis of hydroxycinnamate esters without prior saponification nor derivatization. Characterization of intact individual compounds was achieved based on the mass spectra obtained by GC/MS of the underivatized and their methyl and/or TMS ether derivatives.