This is a quick guide for the preparation of (E)-α-bisabolene samples and external standards in dodecane for GC analysis. This protocol has been established in the Lindberg lab at Ångström laboratory (Uppsala University) for direct analysis of dodecane-based ex-situ extracts from cyanobacterial strains producing (E)-α-bisabolene. The protocol includes the preparation of stock solutions for the internal standard β-caryophyllene (BCP) and the external standard. The preparation of a fresh external standard series is suggested for each sample analysis. The calibration curve is required for quantification of (E)-α-bisabolene in the samples of interest. This protocol is used in combination with the following GC protocol:dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.kj2cuqe