Quantification of VOCs is based on the peak area measured on the chromatogram and compared to the peak area of a chemical standard:
* Internal calibration: a known quantity of a specific chemical standard is injected together with the VOCs, the measured area on the chromatogram is proportional to the injected quantity. Because the chemical properties of VOCs alter their affinity to the solid phase (the chromatographic column) and subsequently the peak area on the chromatogram, it is best to use several standards that reflect the best chemical diversity of the floral scent sample. This method allows a more robust comparison among samples.
* External calibration: calibration curves (quantity vs. peak area) are established independently by the injection of a range of quantities of chemical standard. This method is best when the relative and absolute amount of VOCs in floral scent samples varies from sample to sample and from VOC to VOC and when the chemical diversity of VOCs in the sample is high. However, it is more time-consuming and may be a source of errors (e.g. matrix effects due to solvent or very abundant VOCs compared to trace VOCs).