Methods for gas chromatography-olfactometry: a review.

Gas chromatography-olfactometry methods are used in flavor research to determine the odor active compounds in foods. In this review, the four major methods for gas chromatography-olfactometry are described and their potentials and limitations discussed. The methods include dilution analysis, detection frequency methods, posterior intensity methods and time-intensity methods. The value of gas chromatography olfactometry data is shown to depend directly on the gas chromatography-olfactometry method, as well as on sample preparation and analytical conditions. Each of the methods has been used frequently and has its advantages and disadvantages. However, on the methodological side, a considerable area is still to be explored, which would contribute to the interpretation of the data and would improve the value of these techniques for both fundamental and applied research.