An HPLC method for the analysis of caffeine and benzoate in beverages was developed for use in an undergraduate teaching laboratory.  The method involves the simultaneous preparation of caffeine and benzoate standards as well as simultaneous analysis of the two analytes.  Separation is accomplished using a C-18 column with an isocratic mobile phase of methanol:acetate buffer using UV detection.  Quantification is linear over the range of 50-250 ppm for caffeine and 100-500 ppm for benzoate.  Beverages containing either caffeine, benzoate, or both are degassed if carbonated with dilution with appropriate dilution prior to analysis.  Standard preparation, sample preparation, and analysis of both can be accomplished within a typical three-hour laboratory period.

Undergraduate teaching laboratory exercise for the analysis of caffeine and benzoate in beverages

246th National Meeting (2013)

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