GC/TOF MS application: Alcoholic beverage component characterisation
What is in baijiu Chinese liquor? Using the BenchTOF-dx to characterise the components of the complex alcoholic beverage 
Baijiu Chinese liquor
Baijiu white liquor is a potent but popular drink in Chinese culture. Analysis of this drink, from a quality control or competitor perspective for example, can be tricky as it has a complicated volatile profile. Fast data acquisition by the BenchTOF-dx produces full spectral information for the drink sample with excellent sensitivity (S/N).
Analytical conditions
ThermoFisher TRACE GC Ultra:
- Direct injection of sample onto column.
- Column: HP-INNOWax bonded polyethylene glycol 30 m x 0.25 mm ID x 0.25 DF
- Carrier: He, constant flow 1.5 mL/min
Oven: 40°C (3.0min) 5°C/min to 240°C (10.0 min)
- Injection (split 20:1): 240°C, 1 µL
- Injection (splitless): 240°C, 1 µL, pulsed splitless injection (66 psi for 30 s)
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BenchTOF-dx:
- Transfer line: 250°C
- Ion source: 200°C
- Mass range: 30–400 amu
- Data rate: 5 Hz (2000 summations per data point)
- Solvent delay: 2 min (for split injection), 6 min (for splitless injection)
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Results
Direct injection of a sample of Chinese liquor directly into the GC and detected by BenchTOF-dx generated the full spectrum of volatiles with excellent sensitivity.
The rapid data rate and classical spectra generated resulted in 186 compounds being identified with a match of >80% by searching against an established library.
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Total ion chromatogram (TIC) of chinese spirit by direct injection
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Conclusions
- 186 compounds within the Chinese liquor were confidently identified.
- This information could be used by a manufacturer to give their product the edge over others available and maintain high production standards.
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