Methanol and higher alcohol contents
Methanol and higher alcohol contents were determined according
to the MAPA methods (Brazil, 1986). The total amount of higher
alcohols was determined by spectrophotometric measurements
performed under visible spectrum (540 nm). Such quantification
was performed by comparison with a calibration curve constructed
using a mixture of higher alcohols solubilized in ethanol/water (1:1)
solvent. Methanol was quantified by spectrophotometric
measurements carried out under visible spectrum (575 nm) and
compared with the absorbance values established in a calibration
curve constructed with standard ethanol/methanol solutions
containing known amounts of methanol.