GC mass can detect any compounds based on its nature and the library of the apparatus. As far as I know, ethanolic extract can not be analyzed by GC, because of the difference between mobile phase and the sample form. I mean, GC use a gas as mobile phase, thus can not carry ethanolic extract, but essential oil.

If the sample and mobile phase match, the apparatus can analyze the compounds based on their mass, in accordance to the apparatus library. I mean if mass of a compound was not described in the library, the apparatus can not detect it

Ethanol extraction results in much nonvolatile compounds extraction. Thus, GC misses detection of majority of compounds in the extract

Thank you very much for your answers !

Dear Khawla, this is certainly an important question of broad general interest to many RG members. In general, various chemicals including carbohydrates, sugar alcohols, organic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, and a wide range of secondary metabolites can be deteced using GC-MS. Thus this method is an excellent tool for the reliable identification of phytochemicals in plant extracts. Specifically for ethanol extacts you can find useful information right here on RG. For example, please have a look at the following useful articles:

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds on Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Phyllodium pulchellum L. Desv.

Article GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds on Ethanolic Leaf Extr...

GC–MS analysis of ethanolic leaf extract of Capparis divaricata Lam.

Article GC–MS analysis of ethanolic leaf extract of Capparis divaricata Lam.

and

GC-MS analysis of phytocomponents in the ethanol extract of Polygonum chinense L

Article GC-MS analysis of phytocomponents in the ethanol extract of ...

The first two articles have been posted as public full texts on RG. Thus they can be freely downloaded as pdf files.

Also please see:

GC–MS analysis of ethanolic extracts of Cyathea nilgirensis, C.gigantea, and C. crinita

(see attached pdf file)

I also strongly suggest that you search RG directly for other helpful references. For example, just search for the term "GC-MS analysis of ethanolic plant extracts" and then click on "Publications". This will provide you with a long list of relevant research papers which have been posted by RG members. Many of them are even freely available as public full texts:

https://www.researchgate.net/search.Search.html?type=publication&query=GC-MS%20Analysis%20of%20ethanolic%20plant%20extracts

I hope this helps. Please stay safe and healthy!

In our research work'we find methanolic extracts are found to be potential for identification of volatile compounds or screening of phytoconstituents with various low polar' to high polar solvents and based on the results the suitable solvent can be chosen.