Volatiles from Chives (Allium schoenoprasum).

Abstract

Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric studies of volatiles cf green leaves of chive (Allium schoenoprasum) have led to the identification of 2-methyl-2-butenal (tiglic aldehyde), 2-methyl-2-pentenal (earlier found in this laboratory in volatiles of onion), methyl-propyldisulphide. Evidence is presented for the presence of propenyl-propyldisulphide (cis- and trans-forms). Both dipropyldisulphide and the last mentioned disulphide have a typical onion-like odour and are therefore important flavour compounds in chive. Many peaks have not yet been identified, but methylpropenyl disulphide is possibly one of the sulphur compounds present. Allyl derivatives are generally not found in onion and chive and allyl disulphide is definitely absent.