Dimethyl trisulfide

Chemical properties

clear yellow liquid

Chemical properties

Dimethyl trisulfide has a powerful, diffusive, penetrating odor reminiscent of fresh onion

Occurrence

Reported as occurring in the volatile portion of fresh onion juice; the major aroma component in cooked vegetables of the Brassica genus. Also reported found in kohlrabi, cabbage, onion, garlic, shallots, leek, peas, mustard, tomato, wheaten bread, cheeses, milk, cooked chicken, pork, beef, hop oil, beer, brandies, whiskey, sherry, grape wine, cocoa, coffee, roasted peanuts, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, radishes, pumpkin, sweet corn, asparagus, black tea, shellfish and squid.

The Uses of Dimethyl trisulfide

Dimethyl trisulfide is reported as a major aroma component in cooked Brassicaceous vegetables. Trap baits containing dimethyl trisulfide have been used to capture Calliphora loewi and other blowflies. Dimethyl trisulfide along with dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide have been confirmed as volatile compounds given off by the fly-attracting plant known as dead-horse arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus). These flies are attracted to the odor of fetid meat and help pollinate this plant.

Preparation

It is produced by the microorganism, L. cremoris S2.

Definition

ChEBI: Dimethyl trisulfide is an organic trisulfide.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 2.0 ppm: sulfureous, alliaceous, gassy, savory and meaty with a fresh, vegetative nuance

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 30, p. 2995, 1989 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)99178-0