ICUMSA Method GS4-1 (2026)
Material: Molasses
Analytes: Polarimetric sucrose content
Method Technique: Polarimetry
Abstract:
The polarimetric sucrose content in molasses is determined. It does not take into account the presence of raffinose, kestoses and other optically active substances. It is usually used to assess the value of molasses to fulfil a commercial requirement and does not purport to measure the exact sucrose content. The test sample is produced by first diluting, clarifying (with basic lead acetate solution) and then filtering the test solution. The polarimetric sucrose content is then determined by direct measurement and, after acid hydrolysis of the test sample, using a polarimeter or saccharimeter. The method has Accepted Status for molasses samples with polarimetric sucrose content between 30.1 and 49.5 g/100 g, the absolute difference between two results obtained under repeatability conditions should not be greater than 2.8 g/100 g and under reproducibility conditions should not be greater than 5.2 g/100 g.
Online Access to ICUMSA Method GS4-1 (2026)
Access to the online Version of ICUMSA Method GS4-1 (2026) can be obtained from the Sugar Industry Website, operated by Bartens. The online access for two years costs EUR40 (+ 7 % VAT for German and EU citizens without EU VAT No.).