Specific detection and determination of azide in wine

In view of false-positive results obtained with the azide-detection method based on complex-formation with ferric ions, a specific liquid-chromatographic azide determination was adapted for the analyses of wine. The samples are distilled free of alcohol under alkaline conditions and acidified, and a new distillate is collected. The distillate is buffered (pH 4.7) and treated with 3,5-dinitrobenzoylchloride and the derivative thus formed is detected and determined by HPLC.