Analysis of volatile compounds in Awamori using solid phase extraction

Awamori is distilled liquor containing up to 43% ethanol concentration. A r apid and simplified technique for the analysis of major volatile compounds in Awamori using solid phase extraction was developed. A column packed with Porapak Q resin was used for extraction of volatile compounds. For recover y tests, a model solution (10%-43% ethanol concentration) containing 4 kind s of alcohol, 3 kinds of ester and 3 kinds of fatty acid as representative volatile compounds in Awamori was used. The recoveries of alcohols and fatt y acids increased as ethanol concentration decreased. In the case of differ ent amount of the model solution used,the recoveries of compounds showed al so significant differences. The highest recovery efficiency was obtained by adjustment of ethanol concentration and amount of the sample solution. Rel ative standard deviations were less than 7.23%. Awamori samples were firstl y adjusted to 10% (v/v) ethanol concentration with pure water and secondly filed up to 860 mi with 10% ethanol solution. Volatile compounds from Awamo ri were trapped on Porapak Q resin and recovered. Analysis of extracts from three varieties of Awamori by GC and GC-MS revealed significant difference s in the concentration of alcohols,esters and fatty acids.