| Abstract: | Carbohydrates, acetic acid, furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) were analyzed in sulphite liquor using HPLC with refractive index detection. Pentoses (xylose, arabinose) and hexoses (glucose, galactose, mannose) were separated on an Aminex HPX-87P column as wel as by means of a self-made glass cartridge packed with a piperazine impregnated silica gel. Before injecting into the HPLC apparatus the sulphite liquors were purified using a presep column packed with a cation-exchange resin. The sugar quantification between the two different separation systems was satisfactory. Using an Aminex HPX-87P column and an UV monitor set at 283 nm connected in parallel with the RI detector also furfural and HMF could be analyzed in sulphite liquor. Furthermore, an Aminex HPX-87H column and an UV detector set at 210 nm were most suitable to quantify ethanol. These modified and optimized liquid chromatographic separation systems are the basis for further investigations of the utilization of hexoses as well as pentoses in sulphite liquors by means of suitable microorganisms. |
