Rapid Analysis of 7 Aroma Precursors in Tobacco by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS

A method for identification of 7 aroma precursors in tobacco was established by using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry interfaced with electro-spray ionization(UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) in the multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode. Aroma precursors in tobacco were extracted with methanol, cleaned up with XAD-2 column, then detected and identified by ESI-MS/MS with the neutral loss method. According to the characteristic product ions of m/z 192.7, 179.2, 163.1, 134.7, 133.2 acquired by product ion scan(MS-2), 7 potential flavor compounds are identified, they are arbutin, trans-p-coumaric acid-4-o-β-D-glucopyrannoside, coumaroylquinic acid, neochlorogenic acid,chlorogenic acid, feruloylglycoside, 3-oxo-α-ionol-β-D-glycoside. The method is rapid, convenient and suitable for the determination of aroma precursors in tobacco leaves.