Determination of sugars (and betaine) in molasses by high-performance liquid chromatography. Comparison of the results with those obtained by the classical Lane-Eynon method.

The adaptability of four different high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) columns (ion exchangers in the sodium and calcium forms, ODS and NH2) for the analysis of sugars in molasses was studied. Some sample pre-treatment procedures were also examined. A strong cation-exchange column in the sodium form was the most suitable for the determination of both sugars in cane molasses and sugars and betaine in beet molasses. The only necessary pre-treatment was filtration of the diluted molasses sample through a 0.22-micron membrane before injection. HPLC gave lower sugar contents than the classical Lane-Eynon method. The lower values are more reliable, because the HPLC method eliminates interferents from the sugars.