Extraction using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to comprehensive
two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC GC–FID) was employed to
evaluate the effect of SPME fractionation conditions (heating time and temperature) on the generation
of artifacts.The occurrence of artifacts was more pronounced at higher fractionation temperatures and
times which caused significant changes in the chromatographic profiles. The identification of the volatile
fraction of the honey blend was performed through a two-dimensional gas chromatograph coupled to a
mass spectrometer with time of flight analyser (GC GC–ToFMS) by comparing the first dimension linear
temperature programmed retention index (1D-LTPRI) with the peak’s identities provided by the mass
spectral similarity search. Several artifacts were found and identified – such as hydroxymethylfurfural,
methyl–furone and furfural – and some of them were not previously detected as such in honey samples.
These compounds were either the result of hydrolysis or thermal decomposition of components already
present in the honey samples