Occurrence of S-Methyl Thioesters in Urines of Humans After They Have Eaten Asparagus
Abstract
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the odor-causing agent (or agents) present in the urines of humans after they have eaten asparagus. S-Methyl thioacrylate and S-methyl 3-(methylthio)thiopropionate were identified from methylene chloride extracts of such urines and appear to be the odor-causing compounds. Methanethiol, the previously reported odor-causing agent, was not detected in these methylene chloride extracts.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- September 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1162354
- Bibcode:
- 1975Sci...189..810W