Hyphenation of gas-diffusion separation and ion chromatography Part 1:: Determination of free sulfite in wines

The hyphenation of gas-diffusion separation and ion chromatography (IC) is described as a convenient, reliable, robust, and economic method for in-line sample pre-treatment. The high selectivity associated with this method permits direct analysis of samples containing microparticulates, colloidal matter, and/or high molecular weight compounds. The determination of sulfite serves as a first example of its application. The method is based on the diffusional separation of SO2. following in-line oxidation with hydrogen peroxide to sulfate and final determination of the sulfate formed using IC. The influence of operational parameters has been thoroughly investigated and gas-diffusion cells of different geometries compared with respect to the gas-transfer rates obtained. Application to the analysis of wines demonstrates the utility of the method.