Heidelberg 2015 – scientific programme

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MO: Fachverband Molekülphysik

MO 5: Posters 1: Novelties in Molecular Physics

MO 5.23: Poster

Monday, March 23, 2015, 17:00–19:00, C/Foyer

Investigation on Citrus Oils Using Raman Spectroscopy with Different Excitation Wavelengths — •Katerina Kanevche, Rasha Hassanein, Bernd von der Kammer, and Arnulf Materny — Jacobs University, Campus Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany

Citrus oils are essence oils manufactured from various citrus fruits. Major constituents include e.g. limonene and other terpenes. Carotenoids, only found in minor quantities, present key organic pigments absorbing in the visible (VIS) range between 400 and 550 nm, thus protecting the chlorophyll deterioration due to sun-light exposure. Moreover, they act as antioxidants in the human body. Limonene and citral are mainly responsible for the odor of citrus fruits. They are used in manufacturing cosmetic products as well as food flavors, perfumes, etc. Both carotenoids and carbohydrate terpenes can be identified from their Raman spectrum. Earlier experiments have applied FT-Raman to citrus oils. Here, we introduce Raman spectroscopy using different wavelengths in the VIS spectral range for the investigation of oils from various citrus fruits. Detailed vibrational information could be obtained much faster and resonance Raman effects could be used giving access to minor species. Chemometric analysis has been employed in order to discriminate between the different oils based on their composition. VIS Raman spectroscopy thus constitutes a fast, non-destructive analytical technique not requiring sample preparation, which would be a very attractive tool for inline monitoring of the production process and quality control of citrus oils.