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Food Science and Technology QUESTION #5917
Question 1
In the Gerber method for fat determination, amyl alcohol is added. Its purpose is:
  • To act as the primary fat solvent
  • To act as a froth suppressant and to reduce surface tension between the fat and acid layers, facilitating a clear fat column✔️
  • To digest casein proteins
  • To calibrate the butyrometer
Correct Answer Explanation
In the Gerber test, amyl alcohol (isoamyl alcohol, \(\text{C}_5\text{H}_{12}\text{O}\)) serves two purposes: (1) reduces surface tension at the fat-acid interface facilitating complete fat separation; (2) acts as a froth suppressant. Without it, the fat-acid interface is diffuse and difficult to read accurately.