A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method is used for the determination of betaine in beet molasses.
Betaine is a neutral substance, (carboxymethyl) trimethyl ammonium hydroxide, inner salt, with the following formula:
Separation can be achieved using a large range of cation exchange columns both in the monovalent K or Na form or in the divalent Ca form. The following procedure will specify the conditions for use of these types of chromatographic columns.
Access to the online Version of ICUMSA Method GS4/8-21 (1998) can be obtained from the Sugar Industry Website, operated by Bartens. The online access for two years costs EUR35 (+ 19 % VAT for German and EU citizens without EU VAT No.).