Determination of phenols in wines by liquid chromatography with photodiodearray and fluorescence detection

A reversed-phase LC method, optimised for the separation of trans- and cis- resveratrol, catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and rutin, is reported. Analy ses were performed on a reversed-phase column by gradient elution. Detectio n was carried out by photodiode array, although the use of a fluorimetric d etector considerably lowered the detection limits for catechin, epicatechin and both resveratrol isomers. Identification by the two different detectio n systems was based on retention characteristics, UV spectra and peak purit y index were compared with commercial standards. The procedures were applie d to the determination of the phenolic compounds in different types of wine s and musts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.