Improved method for the determination of ascorbic acid in beer by using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Abstract

A method for the determination of ascorbic acid in beer by using HPLC with dual electrode electrochemical detection is described. Ascorbic acid was separated by using ion suppression chromatography on a C₁₈ column and detected by a dual-electrode system consisting of a porous graphite high efficiency electrode followed in series by a glassy carbon amperometric electrode. It was easily detectable at sub-ppm levels in beer. The use of dual electrode detection provided a constant measurement of both peak purity and electrode efficiency.