Analysis of autoxidized fats by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: VII. Volatile thermal decomposition products of pure hydroperoxides from autoxidized and photosensitized oxidized methyl oleate, linoleate and linolenate

To clarify the sources of undesirable flavors, pure hydroperoxides from autoxidized and photosensitized oxidized fatty esters were thermally decomposed in the injector port of a gas chromatograph‐mass spectrometer system. Major volatile products were identified from the hydroperoxides of methyl oleate, linoleate and linolenate. Although the hydroperoxides from autoxidized esters are isomerically different in position and concentration than those from photosensitized oxidized esters, the same major volatile products were formed but in different relative amounts. Distinguishing volatiles were, however, produced from each type of hydroperoxide. The 9‐ and 10‐hydroperoxides of photosensitized oxidized methyl oleate were thermally isomerized in the injector port into a mixture of 8‐, 9‐, 10‐ and 11‐hydroperoxides similar to that of autoxidized methyl oleate. Under the same conditions, the hydroperoxides from autoxidized linoleate and linolenate did not undergo significant interconversion with those from the corresponding photosensitized oxidized esters. The compositions of the major volatile decomposition products are explained by the classical scheme involving carboncarbon scission on either side of alkoxy radical intermediates. Secondary reactions of hydroperoxides are also postulated, and the hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides from methyl linoleate (photosensitized oxidized) and methyl linolenate (both autoxidized and photosensitized oxidized) are suggested as important precursors of volatiles.