Chemical identity of a rotting animal-like odor emitted from the inflorescence of the titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum)

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(12):2550-4. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100692. Epub 2010 Dec 7.

Abstract

The titan arum, Amorphophallus titanum, is a flowering plant with the largest inflorescence in the world. The flower emits a unique rotting animal-like odor that attracts insects for pollination. To determine the chemical identity of this characteristic odor, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry analysis of volatiles derived from the inflorescence. The main odorant causing the smell during the flower-opening phase was identified as dimethyl trisulfide, a compound with a sulfury odor that has been found to be emitted from some vegetables, microorganisms, and cancerous wounds.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amorphophallus / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Inflorescence / chemistry*
  • Odorants / analysis*
  • Sulfides / analysis
  • Sulfides / chemistry
  • Sulfides / isolation & purification
  • Time Factors
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Sulfides
  • dimethyl trisulfide