Hydrocarbons as markers for identifying postirradiated peanuts

Hydrocarbons produced by gamma-radiation of peanuts were analyzed to determ ine the relationship between irradiation and production of hydrocarbons, an d the use of hydrocarbons as markers for identifying postirradiated peanuts . Hydrocarbons in peanuts were determined by a sequential procedure of lipi d extraction by hexane, Florisil column chromatography, and gas chromatogra phy. Hydrocarbons C-17:1, C-16:2, C-17:2, and C-16:3 were easily detected i n peanuts irradiated at 0.5 kGy or higher, but not in unirradiated ones. Th e hydrocarbons were minimally changed by roasting the irradiated peanuts an d were not detected in unirradiated roasted peanuts.