A new method for the determination of total furanic aldehyde compounds in Brazilian cachaça samples using liquid–liquid extraction and UV detection

Abstract

This work proposes a simple, rapid and low-cost method for the determination of total furanic aldehyde (TFA, sum of furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural) compounds in Brazilian cachaça samples, based on liquid–liquid extraction followed by UV-vis spectrophotometry. For this, 5.0 mL of chloroform and the sample are mixed and the mixture is then stirred for 2 minutes to form an emulsion, which rests for 1 minute to complete the phase separation. An aliquot of the decanted chloroform phase is then analyzed in a quartz cell (10 mm optical path) for absorbance at 279 nm. Effects of solvent, pH, temperature, possible interferences and fraction extracted were investigated. This method is not only sensitive and accurate, with an LOQ of 0.0203 mg 100 mL⁻¹ and recoveries in the range 101–109%, but also simple and rapid (15 h⁻¹). The new method for TFA compounds can be a potential reference method in routine safety testing for Brazilian cachaça samples or other beverages.