Characterization of important odorants from Persian silk tree flowers, Albizia julibrissin

Abstract

The Persian silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) has delicate flowers with a pleasant aroma profile, displaying notes of hyacinth and rose with subtle nuances of citrus, coconut and spice. In this study, a total of 29 odorants were identified in the flowers from a single A. julibrissin selection by the application of a cold-solvent extraction (CSE), followed by solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Subsequently, nine odorants with flavour dilution (FD) factors ≥16 were quantitated by stable isotope dilution analysis (SIDA), and odour activity values (OAVs) were calculated. Odorants with OAV ≥1 included 2-phenylacetaldehyde (OAV 3638), linalool (OAV 797), eugenol (OAV 231), geraniol (OAV 161), 1H-indole (OAV 93), β-ionone (OAV 31), 2-phenylethanol (OAV 11) and γ-octalactone (OAV 1). An aroma simulation model was prepared based on the quantitation data, and it closely matched the aroma of the flower isolate. Chiral chromatography was performed, and (S)-(+)-linalool was the only enantiomer detected. This study advances our understanding of A. julibrissin flower aroma chemistry and lays the groundwork for future investigations for the development of delicate floral aromas for flavour and fragrance applications.