Pitfalls encountered during quantitative determination of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in grape must and wine using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with stable isotope dilution analysis. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and on-line liquid chromatography-multidimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry as potential loopholes

Abstract

The analysis of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in Vitis vinifera grape must or wine at the low nanogram per liter level failed in several situations when applying a one-dimensional gas chromatographic analysis with mass spectrometric detection (GC–MS). Sample preparation methods such as headspace solid phase microextraction or solid phase extraction were convenient procedures, however lacking extraction selectivity for complex matrices. Analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection clearly demonstrated the potential for co-elution in such matrices and the risk for erroneous results when applying one-dimensional GC–MS. In one example, matrix problems would have been a challenge even for a comprehensive two-dimensional chromatographic approach with MS detection (GC × GC–MS). A solution to matrix problems was found by protonating the 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in acidic pH and sample clean-up using solid phase extraction with a mixed-mode polymeric cation-exchange sorbent. Quantification was performed by a stable isotope dilution assay, following analysis by on-line coupled high performance liquid chromatography with multidimensional gas chromatography and detection with mass spectrometry (on-line LC–MDGC–MS). This new approach allowed trace-level analysis of 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines in grape musts and wines and is described for V. vinifera Sauvignon blanc, following 3-alkyl-2-methoxypyrazines concentrations during ripening and in the processed wines.