Identification of 2-Alkylcyclobutanones in Cashew Nut (Anacardium Occidentale)

The natural existence of the irradiation markers, namely, 2-dodecylcyclobutanone (2-dDCB), 2-tetradecenylcyclobutanone (2-tDeCB), and 2-tetradecylcyclobutanone (2-tDCB) in cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) has recently been reported. In this study, 2-dDCB, 2-tDCB and 2-tDeCB were extracted from cashew nut of 2 different origins using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The irradiated samples were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, whereas the non-irradiated samples were analysed with high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). 2-dDCB, 2-tDCB and 2-tDeCB were detected and identified in the irradiated samples at 1 kGy or greater. However, none of 2-ACBs was detected in the non-irradiated samples with GC-HRMS. The radioproduction yield of 2-alkylcyclobutanones (nmol/mmol precursor fatty acid/kGy) were 1.3, 1.3 and 1.7 for 2-dDCB, 2-tDCB and 2-tDeCB, respectively.