Abstract: A purge and trap gas chromatography mass spectrometry method was evaluated for the determination of volatile phenols in soil. The conditions of purge and trap gas chromatography mass spectrometry was optimized by analyzing the effects of purge and trap parameters on measurment of volatile phenols. Compared with soxhlet extraction technology, the purge and trap gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been verified in the actual samples that it has the advantages of simple operation, short analysis period, less reagent dosage and small disturbance, and will be suitable for the determination of volatile phenols with low boiling point and low solubility. And the classic soxhlet extraction technology is recommended to determine for those with high boiling point or high solubility.