Color tests for the detection of alpha-dicarbon compounds formed in the autoxidation of fats

Summary Tests have been devised for detectingα-dicarbonyl compounds in autoxidized fats. The tests are based upon the conversion of theα-dicarbonyl compounds to their dioximes, formation of the nickelous, cupric and bis-pyridine-ferrous derivatives of the dioximes, and extraction of these colored metallic dioxime derivatives into organic solvent phases. The presence ofα-dicarbonyl compounds in a number of autoxidized fatty materials has been demonstrated by these tests. Peroxides in autoxidized fatty materials could be destroyed by treatment with ferrous chloride without destruction ofα-dicarbonyl compounds. This investigation was aided by the Jonathan Bowman Fund for Cancer Research.