Open Access

Eugenie Jaryj, Klemens Lorenz, Bernd Spangenberg

• We present an improved quantification method for urethane found in spirits. The quantification is based on a derivatization reaction using cinnamaldehyde in combination with phosphoric acid. Measurements were carried out in the wavelength range from 445 to 460 nm using a diode-TLC device. An LED was used for illumination purposes. It emits very dense light at 365 nm. The quantification range ofWe present an improved quantification method for urethane found in spirits. The quantification is based on a derivatization reaction using cinnamaldehyde in combination with phosphoric acid. Measurements were carried out in the wavelength range from 445 to 460 nm using a diode-TLC device. An LED was used for illumination purposes. It emits very dense light at 365 nm. The quantification range of urethane is in the lower ng range. By applying 20 µL of sprits, the urethane quantification range is from 320 µg/L to 8.1 mg urethane per litre of spirit. The range of linearity covers nearly two magnitudes. The method is cheap, fast and reliable, and is able to monitor all European legislation limits without time-consuming sample pre-treatments.…