ANALYSIS OF 1-(2-FURYL)PROPANE-1,2-DIOL, A FURFURAL METABOLITE IN BEER

1-(2-Furyl)propane-1,2-diol, the ultimate product of furfural metaboli sm, was detected in beer for the first time. The diol was very stable and its concentration remained unchanged during storage of the beer in a bottle. The diol could not be detected in wort prior to fermentatio n. During the main fermentation, the diol increased to a level of 30 p pb, which was maintained throughout the subsequent secondary fermentat ion (lagering) process. The results of an analysis of the diol in comm ercial beer samples are also discussed.