Thin layer chromatography reflectometric determination of benzoic and sorbic acids in fruit beverages

A procedure is proposed for the quantitative determination of both benzoic and sorbic acids in fruit beverages. This method is carried out by direct ultraviolet spectrophotometric measurements in silica chromatoplates after development with chloroform-methanol-water (65 + 35 + 7) and makes use of an internal standard. Applied to samples spiked with benzoic and sorbic acids, this technique gives accurate and reliable results with good recoveries. The sensitivity (about 1 ppm) is particularly convenient for trace level determination.