Frankincense and Myrrh: Visual Characterization and Comparison of Essential Oils with GCxGC Structured Chromatograms

Frankincense and myrrh are historically significant resins that continue to be studied today for their chemical composition and potential applications. Extracted from <i>Boswellia</i> and <i>Commiphora</i> trees, these materials have long been used in perfumes and incense, with their distinctive aromas driven by complex mixtures of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Essential oils derived from these resins are well suited for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which enables separation, identification, and quantification of individual components. In this application note, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) is used to further enhance separation and visualization of these complex samples. The resulting structured chromatograms allow chemically similar compounds to appear in organized patterns, making it easier to distinguish key compound classes and compare frankincense and myrrh at a glance. Target analytes—including terpenes, terpenoids, esters, and furano sesquiterpenoids—are identified using spectral matching and retention index verification, demonstrating how GCxGC-TOFMS provides deeper insight into the chemical differences between these two iconic materials.