Chemical markers of glycerol esters of wood rosin (E445) and gum rosin: a metabolomics-based approach for reliable authentication of rosin origin.

Abstract

Glycerol esters of wood rosin (GEWR, additive E445) are authorized in Europe as emulsifiers and stabilizers, but only when manufactured from pine stump wood rosin. In contrast, glycerol esters of gum rosin (GEGR), derived from tapped living trees, are not permitted. Reliable analytical methods are therefore required to discriminate these origins and ensure regulatory compliance. This remains challenging due to the chemical complexity and the high degree of similarity between the two types of materials. A comparative UHPLC/HR-MS metabolomics approach was applied to wood and gum rosins and to corresponding glycerol esters. Two markers specific to gum origin and six to wood origin were identified and quantitatively evaluated. The method was validated using blind samples and enabled clear discrimination between authorized GEWR and non-authorized GEGR, as well as between their source rosins. This study provides a robust analytical strategy for confirming the origin of rosin products with confidence and reproducibility.

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