Identification of intact long‐chain p ‐hydroxycinnamate esters in leaf fibers of abaca ( Musa textilis ) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The study of acetone‐extractable components from the leaf fibers of the non‐wood plant abaca ( Musa textilis ) resulted in the isolation and identification of series of intact hydroxycinnamate esters consisting of ferulic and p ‐coumaric acids esterified to long‐chain fatty alcohols (C 20 to C 28 ) and ω ‐hydroxyfatty acids (C 22 to C 28 ). These series of compounds were characterized by high‐temperature gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using capillary columns (12 m length) with thin films that allowed the analysis of intact (i.e., without prior saponification) hydroxycinnamate esters. Characterization of intact individual compounds was achieved based on the mass spectra obtained by GC/MS of the underivatized compounds and their methyl and/or trimethylsilyl ether derivatives. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.