The effect of sulfited medium and its pH on the etanol, acetaldehyde and higher alcohols production during fermentation of cane molasse by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied. There was no significant effect of sulfite on ethanol production. The results showed a significant increase in acetaldehyde and a reduction in higher alcohols content with the increase of sulfite concentration. The increase in the pH of sulfited medium caused an increase in acetaldehyde and higher alcohols content and did not affect ethanol production.
sulfite; alcoholic fermentation; fusel oil; higher alcohols; Saccharomyoes cerevisiae