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HERO ID
2311080
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric analysis of the odor of human feces
Author(s)
Moore, JG; Jessop, LD; Osborne, DN
Year
1987
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Gastroenterology
ISSN:
0016-5085
EISSN:
1528-0012
Volume
93
Issue
6
Page Numbers
1321-1329
Language
English
PMID
3678751
URL
https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/gas-chromatographic-mass-spectrometric-analysis/docview/81117868/se-2?accountid=171501
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Abstract
Gas-chromatographic and mass-spectrometric analysis of human fecal samples was performed to identify the volatile compounds responsible for fecal odor. The compounds identified with fecal odor were the methyl sulfides methanethiol, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide. Skatole and indole, the benzopyrrole volatiles believed to be responsible for fecal odor, in fact elaborated a napthalenelike "mothball" odor in the crystalline state as well as after purging from feces. A small amount of hydrogen sulfide gas was also identified in fecal samples. The components responsible for fecal odor are complex and may be influenced by dietary and endogenous contributions. However, the major components are methyl sulfide compounds rather than skatole and indole as is currently believed.
Keywords
Disulfides; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Sulfides; methylmercaptan; 2X8406WW9I; dimethyl trisulfide; 3E691T3NL1; dimethyl disulfide; 3P8D642K5E; Hydrogen Sulfide; YY9FVM7NSN; Index Medicus; Sulfhydryl Compounds -- analysis; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hydrogen Sulfide -- analysis; Disulfides -- analysis; Sulfides -- analysis; Feces -- analysis; Odorants -- analysis
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