Natural pungent compounds. IV. Examination of the gingerols, shogaols, paradols and related compounds by thin-layer and gas chromatography

Abstract

The gingerols, shogaols, paradols and related compounds have been examined by thin-layer (silica gel) and gas chromatography (SE-30 and VO-17 liquid phases) and reference retention times and RF values reported. Thin-layer chromatography gives only partial separation of the various homologous series of compounds, whereas good resolution is obtained with gas chromatography. Compounds containing a β-hydroxyketone grouping, e.g., the gingerols, decompose to aliphatic aldehydes and zingerone under the conditions of gas chromatography. The methods described are particularly applicable to the qualitative analysis of the oleoresins from ginger and grains of paradise.