A gas chromatography-mass spectrometric method with ultrasonic extraction was developed for the determination of taraxerol in mangrove sediments.The parameters including instrument condition,extraction,saponification,derivatization and data analysis were optimized.The analyte was separated by GC with an HB-5MS capillary column,then identified and quantified by the characteristic chromatograms properties and retention time.The component was separated completely from others,simultaneously identified and quantified with the standard curves.Quantitation using internal standard was based on the ratio of peak area of taraxerol derivative to peak area of internal standard derivative in the selected ion monitoring mode with electron impact source.The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5-100 μg/L,with a limit of quantitation of 0.5 μg/kg.The mean recoveries at 5,20,80 μg/L spiked levels were in the range of 81.2%-108.3%,with relative standard deviations of 1.9%-4.2%.The results showed that the developed method was sensitive,accurate and reproducible,and was suitable for the analysis of taraxerol in mangrove sediments.The study could provide scientific evidences for the management and protection of mangrove.