Rancidity appears as a very complex phenomenon if we consider the numerous reaction products that have been identified. Based on gas liquid chromatographic analysis of the aldehydes, alcohols, alkyl formates and hydrocarbons produced by the autoxidation of oleic acid and nonahal, an explanation of some possible reaction pathways is presented. Rancidity is described as a result of a succession of reactions, some of which are free radical in form, initiated by oleic monohydroperoxides. These yield aldehydes that are autoxidizable and also yield, by specific recurrent reactions, the wide variety of products encountered that are offensive in taste and odor.
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