INTRODUCTION

Soft drinks have always been a popular type of beverage in different parts of the world because
of its carbonation that isn't found in typical drinking water. These non-alcoholic drinks come in different
flavors and help in different body functions such as digestion and feelings of fullness. However, as
supported by popular belief, soft drinks can also be unhealthy when taken in large amounts because of
its high sugar and acid content. Concoctions that seem to be very familiar, soft drinks have more to their
content than what people usually think of.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in different plant species. It is a popular and
natural stimulant that is known to be an energy booster (Khalid, A., & Ahmad, S., 2016). Most energy
drinks such as soft drinks and coffee contain caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system but can
be dangerous if taken in excess. Its participation in soft drinks however does not seem to significantly
enhance the flavor according to (Griffiths & Vernotica, 2018) and (Keast & Riddell, 2007). It seems that it
only appeals as a stimulant and may be considered by some consumers to be unnecessary in huge
amounts. According to the Food and Drugs Administration

On the other hand, Benzoic acid in soft drinks do not appear as it is, but often takes the form of
its salts. The most common known as sodium benzoate is one that acts as a preservative and bacteria-
destroying agent. Chiefly found in diet sodas, the compound is carcinogenic in nature, which makes it
harmful even in small amounts. Concentrations as low as 10 ppb are regulated in drinking water all
around the world, however this is not a case in soft drinks which is of a great concern. Because of its
harmful effects when taken in excess, caffeine and benzoic acid content in soft drinks must be checked
and regulated in order to ensure safe consumption and quality control. One process or method to
determine chemical level in a substance is spectrophotometry.

Spectrophotometry, from the word itself, is a method which measures the intensity of light that
passes through a given sample (Jansen, 2018). The use of spectrophotometry is specific since there is an
assigned or used wavelength for different chemical samples. In addition, spectrophotometry uses
photons and its portion to the electromagnetic spectrum or mostly, its wavelength to determine an
unknown concentration. The data acquired is then correlated to the composition of the sample. One
instrument used in spectrophotometry is the UV-Visible Spectrophotometer or simply UV-vis. In a UV-
Vis, samples are placed in a cuvette and placed in between the path of light and a detector. With the use
of Beer-Lambert’s Law, the absorption obtained could be used in determining the concentration of a
compound or particle in a sample.

Spectrophotometric determination in UV-vis region is cheap, follows a simple procedure, and

provides a high accuracy and reproducibility from a small number of samples. Spectrophotometry is
widely used and available in all the schools, colleges, universities, and research institutes. This is why
UV-vis is the instrument that will be utilized for this experiment.

With these underlying concepts, this special experiment aims to determine the amount of caffeine and
benzoic acid in different kinds of soft drinks using UV-vis. It also aims to compare and contrast the
amount of these chemicals in the three different brands. This experiment is relevant since the Food and
Drug Administration requires a specific amount of caffeine and benzoic acid in different soft drinks.
Therefore, an exceeded amount of these chemicals may be already harmful for the consumers.
Griffiths, R. R., & Vernotica, E. M. (2000). Is caffeine a flavoring agent in cola soft drinks?. Archives of
family medicine, 9(8), 727-734.

Keast, R. S., & Riddell, L. J. (2007). Caffeine as a flavor additive in soft-drinks. Appetite, 49(1), 255-259.

Khalid, A., & Ahmad, S. (2016). Determination of Caffeine in Soft and Energy Drinks Available in Market
by using UV/Visible Spectrophotometer. Family Medicine & Medical Science Research, 05(04). doi:
10.4172/2327-4972.1000206