Automated solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass selective detection investigations of carbonyl-amine reaction pathways

Employing automated solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass selective detection, mechanistic information on the formation of volatile components associated with carbonyl-amine chemistries in microwave heat-treated natural products is gathered. Employing 13C uniformly labeled amino acids and sugars, pathways for the formation of Strecker aldehydes, pyrazines, and furan derivatives are delineated in a heat treated licorice suspension. The results are among the first pieces of information providing unambiguous reaction pathways for the production of these compounds in heated natural products.