Small hydrocarbons formed by the peroxidation of squalene.

Experiments were undertaken to determine whether peroxidized squalene forms isoprene in a manner such that peroxidation could be considered as a possible route for the formation of in vivo human breath isoprene. Small hydrocarbons derived from peroxidation of positions 1-6 of squalene were identified in the head space. The most unusual product, proposed to arise from peroxidation of carbon 1 and intramolecular cyclization, was a mixture of dimethylcyclopentadiene isomers. Sonication of an aqueous mixture or low O2 partial pressure favored isoprene formation.