Analysis of low-volatility organic sulphur compounds in wines by solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography

A method for analysing low-volatility sulphur compounds using solid-phase m icroextraction has been developed. The analytes were extracted directly fro m the liquid sample using fibres coated with different stationary phases;Th e best extraction efficiency was obtained with Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxan e coating. Ionic strength, sample volume, time and temperature of the extra ction were optimised and the matrix effect studied. The method enables 15 s ulphur compounds in wine to be determined at trace levels with recoveries c lose to 100% and limits of detection between 0.05 and 5 mu g/L. The overall method was successfully applied to the determination of the sulphur compou nds studied in several red, white and rose wines. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.