AOAC SPIFAN Vanillin Working Group (December 13, 2022)

Explains scientific premise on which the method is operates specifically the mechanism of the analysis. Explain the purpose of various steps or the basis of unfamiliar or unusual reactions. Include the scope and sensitivity of the method—its applicability to certain types of samples and its non ‐ applicability, because of interference, solubility, or other reasons, to other types of samples. Methods are divided into several descriptive sections i.e., Apparatus, Reagents, Reagent Preparation, Standard Preparation, Sample Preparation, Extraction . The sections should include specifications for necessary laboratory apparatus and reagent preparations. See also Definition of Terms and Explanatory Notes . NOTE: Official Methods will need to include InChi numbers and CAS numbers where appropriate. B. Apparatus Lists the equipment that requires assembly or that has specifications critical to the method performance. Describe equipment in terms of performance characteristics. List the necessary laboratory apparatus. For more information see “ Definition of Terms and Explanatory Notes ” Apparatus should be set as in the following example: (a) Ultra ‐ HPLC (UHPLC) system —Nexera (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) or equivalent LC system consisting of a dual pump system, a sample injector unit, a degasser unit, and a column oven. (b) Triple ‐ quadrupole mass spectrometer —Triple Quad 6500 (Sciex, Framingham, MA) or equivalent tandem MS (MS/MS) instrument. (c) Column —Kinetex C18 core ‐ shell, 2.6 μ m, 2.1 × 50 mm (Phenomenex, Torrance, CA) or equivalent. C. Reagents Do not list common reagents which would ordinarily be expected to be available in a well ‐ equipped analytical laboratory. Reagents without specifications are automatically reagent grade, conforming to the specifications of the American Chemical Society (ACS) when such specifications exist. Reagents should follow the same format as in the above example under Apparatus. D. Reagent Preparation, Standard Preparation, Sample Preparation, Extraction Sections Use these sections for materials requiring directions for preparation, purification, or standardization. Standard compounds will often need specifications or a source of supply. The sections should use the same style and format as in the above example under Apparatus. E. Determination If a method is fairly straight forward or consists only of a single major step, describe all operations under this heading. If the method is complex, however, divide the determinative section into several parts which may be characterized by the type of operation performed. Be sure to identify all critical control points. F. Calculations Include calculations in a method for convenience to avoid the need for looking up factors and deriving equations, particularly when a series of multiple dilutions or aliquots are used at various steps in the method. Take particular care to ensure that there is no ambiguity with regard to the entries in the numerator and the denominator. G. Data Handling A section on data handling should be included if necessary. Example : Report results as μ g/hg to one decimal place or as IU/hg to zero decimal places. Other sections may be included as needed and should be labelled in alphabetical order (i.e., H. Chromatography) Tables and Figures Tables and Figures should be in separate documents and clearly labelled. Do not intersperse tables and figures within the text document. Tables and figures should be numbered consecutively as Table 1, Table 2, Figure 1, Figure 2. For instructions on how to layout Tables and Figures specifications please visit our Instructions to Authors page. Supplemental information Supplemental information is allowed and should be included as a separate Word document clearly labelled. Supplemental information should be cited in the text. Supplemental data may include large tables, figures or appendices. Please note: this information will be available on the online Journal site and will be uploaded as submitted. It will not be copyedited or typeset.