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The mysterious role of sulfur oxides: Why does garlic have such a unique aroma?
Garlic is an indispensable condiment in many people's kitchens. Its unique aroma is unique and makes people happy. All of this is inseparable from the mysterious compound called sulfur oxides. Sulfur oxides are not only present in garlic, but also play an important role in many organic compounds. This article will take a closer look at the structure, properties and applications of sulfur oxides in daily life, especially as the main source of garlic aroma.
Structure and properties of sulfur oxides
Sulfur oxides are organic sulfur compounds containing a thiol group (>SO), which are mainly composed of two carbon atoms bonded to sulfur and oxygen atoms. This structure makes sulfur oxides have a relatively short S–O distance and exhibit obvious polar characteristics.
In dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the S–O distance is 1.531 Å and the sulfur center is pyramidal, which makes the properties of sulfoxides particularly special.
Chirality of Sulfur Oxides
Sulfur's lone pair of electrons gives it a tetrahedral electron pair geometry, and in certain circumstances, the sulfur atom can become a chiral center. When the two organic groups are different, sulfur oxides exhibit optical stability, a property that is particularly important in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.
Synthesis of Sulfur Oxides
The synthesis of sulfur oxides is usually achieved through the oxidation reaction of sulfides. This process may involve hydroxide or other oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. During this process, care must be taken to avoid excessive oxidation, which would result in the formation of sulfites.
For example, dimethyl sulfuric acid can be oxidized to dimethyl sulfur oxide under appropriate conditions and then further to dimethyl sulfurous acid.
Sulfur oxides in garlic
It is these sulfur oxides that are responsible for the sulfur compounds, such as alliin, that garlic releases when it is damaged. These compounds play a vital role in garlic's fresh flavor. When garlic is chopped or crushed, these substances are released freely and transform into its characteristic aroma and taste.
Reactivity of Sulfur Oxides
Sulfur oxides have multiple reactivities, including deoxygenation reactions and acid-base reactions. They are able to form coordination compounds with metals and are well known for their unique reaction mechanisms in organic synthetic chemistry.
For example, dimethyl sulfide can be deoxidized to form sulfide under the action of a catalyst. In this process, DMSO can also be used to generate antioxidants.
Application and Natural Existence
Sulfur oxides are not only widely used as solvents in laboratories, but also play an important role in many medicines. For example, esomeprazole, an optically pure compound of proton pump inhibitor, shows pharmacological activity against sulfur oxides. In addition, some naturally occurring chiral sulfur oxides, such as allicin, have also attracted widespread attention in terms of health and nutrition.
Conclusion
In summary, sulfur oxides show amazing diversity in chemical structure, reactivity and their application in daily life. The important role they play in the aroma of garlic makes us re-understand This ordinary yet mysterious compound. Have you ever wondered how these tiny molecules are so closely connected to our senses of taste and smell?
