Determination of haloanisoles

Haloanisoles (notably TCA, TBA, and TeCA) are volatile organic compounds derived from halophenols . They are infamous for being responsible for "cork taint," affects many products, particularly wines , spirits, cosmetics, and packaged foods .

Their presence, even at tiny concentrations (of the order of ng/L), can cause musty or damp earth odors , making the product unfit for consumption or marketing.

The dosage of haloanisoles aims to:

• Identify and quantify halogenated compounds responsible for olfactory contamination.
• Determine the origin of the pollution (plug, packaging, storage environment).
• Ensure the sensory and qualitative conformity of products before placing them on the market.

Analytical methods used

The analysis of haloanisoles is carried out using high sensitivity chromatographic techniques , allowing detection at trace levels:

• GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) : Reference method for the specific identification and quantification of haloanisoles, often coupled with headspace preparation to extract volatile compounds.
• GC-ECD (Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection) : particularly effective for the selective detection of halogenated compounds at very low concentrations.

The main analytes sought include:

• 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA) — the main culprit in cork taint (CAS: 87-40-1).
• 2,4,6-Tribromoanisole (TBA) — often derived from brominated storage materials (CAS: 607-99-8).
• 2,3,4,6-Tetrachloroanisole (TeCA) — by-product of disinfection or fungicide treatments (CAS: 938-40-3).
• 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP) — precursor of TCA (CAS: 88-06-2).

These methods guarantee extremely low detection limits (< 1 ng/L), adapted to the requirements of sensitive sectors such as oenology and cosmetics.

Affected matrices

The dosage of haloanisoles applies to many industrial and natural matrices:

• Wines, spirits and alcoholic beverages , for cork taint control.
• Flavored waters and natural extracts , which may contain traces of TCA or TBA.
• Packaging, caps and polymer films , in order to detect sources of contamination.
• Cosmetic or perfume ingredients , to guarantee the olfactory purity of the formulations.

This analysis is also used in the quality control of storage materials (pallets, drums, crates, paper, etc.) which can release haloanisoles.

Industrial applications and quality issues

Haloanisoles major economic issue for several industries:

• In oenology , their early detection prevents the loss of entire batches of contaminated bottles.
• In cosmetics , it guarantees the olfactory neutrality of creams, lotions and perfumes.
• In the packaging industry , it allows the validation of materials in contact with food or sensitive products.
• In the food industry , it contributes to the control of sensory risks linked to storage and transport.

The results of the dosage guide corrective measures: replacement of contaminated materials, change of cork supplier, improvement of storage conditions, or even implementation of preventive treatments.

Related analyses

For a complete diagnosis of volatile contamination, it is recommended to combine:

• The dosage of halophenols , precursors of haloanisoles.
• The measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in materials and packaging.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab provides a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in the detection of trace compounds and volatile organic contaminants .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can order your analyses, track your samples and consult your results online, quickly and easily.

For any specific request, contact our scientific team to design a protocol adapted to your products and quality requirements.