Determination of Ethanol in Alcohol Samples Using a Modular Raman Spectrometer

This paper describes an inexpensive modular Raman spectrometer for use in the undergraduate laboratory. An Ar⁺ ion laser operating at 105-mW is used as the source. A small, computer-controlled CCD spectrometer is used as the detector. The instrumental design is simple enough that students can readily assemble the components themselves, but they require assistance to align the optics. Because of the samples chosen, no sample preparation is necessary. The analytical performance of the instrument was evaluated by determining the ethanol content in vodka, gin, Everclear, rum, and whiskey .