Formation of Methanol and Ethyl Methyl Carbonate by Dimethyl Dicarbonate in Wine and Model Solutions

Abstract

Dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) has been proposed as a possible alternative to diethyl dicarbonate as a cold sterilant for use in packaging alcoholic beverages. Some of the breakdown products of this agent (known commonly as dimethyl pyrocarbonate) were measured in wine and model solutions. Methanol produced by hydrolysis of DMDC was measured by gas chromatographic analysis of distillates. The levels produced were linear with dose and in the 50-mg/L range for normal doses. A gas chromatographic procedure was adapted for analysis of ethyl methyl carbonate formed from the DMDC reaction with ethanol. The product formation was linear with substrate concentrations and in the low mg/L range. This procedure for analysis of ethyl methyl carbonate is proposed as a method for the detection and quantification of DMDC addition to alcoholic beverages.