Comparison of extraction techniques for gas chromatographic determination of volatile carbonyl compounds in alcohols

Two extraction procedures, i.e. conventional liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and liquid solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for extraction of the oximes formed after derivatization of carbonyl compounds with o-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl) hydroxylamine (PFBHA) in alcoholic solutions have been compared. The limit of detection for LLE followed by GC-ECD determination of C1-C6 was in the range of 0.23-3.3 microg/L, whereas for liquid SPME 0.005-0.33 microg/L. Both methods elaborated can be applied to the determination of carbonyl compounds present in spirits and alcoholic beverages.