Elimination of amino acid interferences in the chiral ligand-exchange chromatographic analysis of lactic acid enantiomers in wine.

Chiral ligand-exchange liquid chromatography is used to identify and quantitate lactic acid enantiomers in wines that have or have not undergone malolactic fermentation. The stationary phase is (R)-penicillamine, which is bound lipophilically to a C18 bonded silica matrix. The mobile phase is 1mM copper sulfate, and the detection mode is ultraviolet. Serious interference from (S)-aspartic acid and other amino acids is eliminated by the use of propanesulfonic acid-type cation exchange solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to chromatographic analysis. Lactic acid enantiomers in wine are quantitated in the range of 10 to 500 mg/L. The detection limit is 3 mg/L. The method is also successful in the determination of lactic acid enantiomers in certain beers (e.g., lambic beers), kim-chi, sauerkraut, and various yogurts.