Solid‐phase extraction method for determination of volatile compounds in traditional balsamic vinegar

A solid-phase extraction method for the determination of volatile compounds in traditional balsamic vinegar (TBV) has been developed. The optimisation has been carried out using a two-level factorial design expanded further to a central composite design. LiChrolut-EN SPE cartridges were used and the optimised analytical conditions were: 7 g of TBV diluted 1:4, 5 mL of washing water, and elution with 10 mL of dichloromethane. The linear ranges and detection and quantitation limits were adequate for the analysis of the studied compounds in TBV. The accuracy of the method was also studied: recoveries up to 80% and repeatability values lower than 15% were obtained for the majority of the studied compounds. Two TBVs of different age were analysed by the optimised method.