Resumo

GUTIERREZ, L.E.; ANNICHINO, A.V.K.O.; LUCATTI, L.  e  SILVA, S.B. Leite da. Enhancement in ethanol production prom cane molasses by benzoate addition. An. Esc. Super. Agric. Luiz de Queiroz [online]. 1991, vol.48, pp. 1-21. ISSN 0071-1276.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0071-12761991000100002.

The effect of the addition of sodium benzoate on alcoholic fermentation of molasses medium with 15% total reducing sugars was studied by using industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae M-300-A. Sodium benzoate was added at the rate of 7.5 miligram to 0,8 grams of dry yeast during 0, 2, 4 e 6 fermentative cycles. The addition of sodium benzoate resulted in an increase in ethanol production and a reduction of yeast growth and glycerol and n-propylic, isobutylic and isoamylic alcoholic contents. The inhibitor did not reduce cell viability; soon after its removal the yeast returned to grow. This fact suggests the possibility of using the benzoate in distilleries.

Palavras-chave : ethanol; alcoholic fermentation; benzoate; molasses.