James J. Sullivan

ALLIUM CHEMISTRY : NATURAL ABUNDANCE OF ORGANOSELENIUM COMPOUNDS FROM GARLIC, ONION AND RELATED PLANTS AND IN HUMAN GARLIC BREATH

By using the technique of gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED), a variety of low molecular weight organoselenium and mixed organosulfur-organoselenium compounds have been identified in natural abundance in the headspace above chopped AZZium and Brussicu spp. and in human breath after ingestion of garlic. Selenoamino acid precursors to these organoselenium volatiles have been identified in these plants using the same

Approximation of electron capture response factors for highly electrophilic compounds

Abstract A theoretical upper limit of electron attachment rate constants is derived, based on collision-limited electron interaction with polarizable molecules. This limit is shown to give upper limits for electron capture response factors. Evidence is presented showing that this limit is approached to within a factor of two for a wide variety of highly electrophilic compounds. It is suggested that this limit can be used as an approximation for electron capture response factors for suitable compounds, and that properly chosen derivatizing reagents may allow detection of derivatives with fairly accurate prediction of response factors.

Headspace–gas chromatography with atomic emission and mass selective detection for the determination of organoselenium compounds in elephant garlic

A novel inlet headspace sampler interfaced with gas chromatography was used to determine trace levels of volatile organoselenium compounds in garlic flavorants. Volatiles from crushed garlic were detected by atomic plasma emission and mass spectroscopy.