The effect of nitrites in foods and
beverages still raises discussion
due to the possible formation of harmful nitroso compounds. However,
as most of these compounds in beer were not structurally characterized
yet, the research about their toxicological relevance for consumers
is limited. This study is focused on identification of the products
formed by nitrite (or isotopically labeled nitrite 15N)
reactions in beer using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
In total, 19 products were identified, and some of them were structurally
characterized and confirmed by comparing retention indices and mass
spectra of standard/synthesized compounds. Identified compounds were
representatives of nitroso, nitro, oxime, and even cyano compounds.
For the peaks which were not structurally identified, primary structural
characteristics were also listed. Found products were further screened
in 16 authentic beer samples which showed the apparent occurrence
of found compounds in non-treated beers.