Analysis of BHA, BHT and TBHQ in Chewing Gum by GC and GC/MS

Simple and rapid extraction and determination methods were developed for the analysis of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) in chewing gum by GC and GC/MS. The antioxidants were extracted with acetonitrile from samples, and the extract was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate. This solution was injected into GC and GC/MS instruments.Recoveries of BHA, BHT and TBHQ ranged from 81.4 to 98.9%, from 80.7 to 106% and from 70.8 to 116%, respectively, and the detection limits of these antioxidants were 1ppm in GC analysis and 0.1ppm in GC/MS analysis.