Analysis of radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones from dried shrimps (Penaeus aztecus).

We investigated the usefulness of hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones as markers for irradiated, dried shrimps. A method was developed to detect the irradiation of dried shrimps (Penaeus aztecus) by identifying radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones extracted from dried shrimps, which were separated by Florisil column chromatography and identified by a method using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones are formed from the fatty acids of the irradiated fats. The quantity of the hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones formed from some fatty acids is related to the composition of fatty acids in a sample. The concentrations of hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones increased with radiation dose. The major hydrocarbons in the irradiated, dried shrimps were 1-tetradecene and pentadecane from palmitic acid; small amounts of heptadecane and 1-hexadecene from stearic acid; and 8-heptadecene and 1,7-hexadecadiene from oleic acid. 2-(5'-Tetradecenyl)cyclobutanone, one of the 2-alkylcyclobutanones, was present at the highest concentration. The radiation-induced hydrocarbons and 2-alkylcyclobutanones were detected at radiation doses of 0.5 kGy and greater. These compounds were not detected in nonirradiated, dried shrimps.