Gas chromatographic separation of volatile furans from birchwood smoke

Journal article, 1996

Furan, 2-methylfuran, 3-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran and the five isomeric C6 alkylfurans, two C7 alkylfurans and three C6-C7 alkenylfurans were determined in birchwood smoke by adsorbent sampling, gas chromatography and mass spectrometric techniques. Retention data, mass spectral data and quantitative proportions are given. Furan and 2-methylfuran are major components. Contrary to other oxygen-containing compounds, the furans elute from the aluminium oxide column widely used for volatile C2-C8 hydrocarbons. The furans are formed mainly from glowing and smouldering combustion.