Analysis of volatile compounds in Khadi (an unrecorded alcohol beverage) from Botswana by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID)

Abstract

Chemical analysis of volatile compounds from khadi, an unrecorded alcoholic beverage from Botswana, was carried out using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC–FID). Ten samples of khadi from two different locations were analyzed. All samples had pH values in the range of 2.87–3.16. Overall the samples contained ethanol, higher alcohols and esters. Ethanol was observed to be the dominant volatile compound with concentrations ranging from 1.66–5.71 % vol. Other volatiles determined were 2-methyl-1-propanol (9.12–29.0 mg L–1) and 2/3-methyl-1-butanol (14.5–124.7 mg L–1), ethyl lactate (27.4–110.9 mg L–1) and ethyl acetate (28.3–48.5 mg L–1).