Determination of organic acids in sugar cane process juice by high-performance liquid chromatography: improved resolution using dual Aminex HPX-87H cation-exchange columns equilibrated to different temperatures

J Chromatogr. 1987 Jul 10:398:265-77. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9673(01)96512-4.

Abstract

The application of high-performance liquid chromatography to the quantitative analysis of organic acids in sugar cane process juice is described. Separation of these acids is achieved on Aminex HPX-87H cation-exchange columns. Resolution is improved by connecting two columns in series and equilibrating them at different temperatures. The acids in the sample are first isolated on DEAE-Sephadex A-25 anion-exchange resin equilibrated with 0.5 M isobutyric acid. They are then eluted with 0.5 M sulphuric acid and injected directly onto the HPLC column after filtration through a 0.45-micron membrane. This method allows the simultaneous determination of oxalic, cis-aconitic, citric, phosphoric, malic, trans-aconitic, succinic, glycolic, lactic, formic and acetic acids. Isobutyric acid is also separated on this system and provides a useful guide to the loading capacity of the anion-exchange resin.

MeSH terms

  • Acids / isolation & purification
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Chromatography, Ion Exchange
  • Food-Processing Industry
  • Ion Exchange Resins
  • Sucrose / analysis*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Acids
  • Ion Exchange Resins
  • Sucrose