Prolysis of β-Hydroxy Amino Acids, Especially L-Serine

Abstract

From the pyrolysis of l-serine, ten volatile compounds including several pyrazines were identified. Pyrazines were also found from the pyrolysis of l-threonine, but not from that of alanine and considered to be characteristic pyrolysis products of β-hydroxy amino acids. At the same time, diketopiperazines, amines and carbonyl compounds were also found in addition to those described above. Formation mechanism of pyrazine compounds was also discussed.