Poster (Scientific congresses and symposiums)
Volatile collection of cadaveric compounds
Dekeirsschieter, Jessica; Verheggen, François; Haubruge, Eric
2010Journée scientifique annuelle de la société royale de chimie - Chimie verte
 

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Keywords :
cadaveric VOCs; odor analysis; decay process; pig carcasses; thanatochemistry; forensic science
Abstract :
[en] Thanatochemistry, also named ''chemistry of death'', is poorly studied and the available information regarding the volatile organic compounds (cadaveric VOCs) released after death are rather limited. Thanks to the use of analytical chemistry methods ((TDS)GC-MS, GCxGC-TOF-MS), the olfactive signature of a dead body may be studied during the decomposition process. Different volatile collection techniques are used to study the smell of death. There are passive sampling techniques (Radiello® diffusive sampler) and dynamic sampling technique (pump device). The smell of death is constituted by a blend of hundreds of volatile organic compounds which change during the decay process. Main products detected are sulphur compounds such as sulphur dioxide, dimethyldisulfide and dimethyltrisulfide; alcools (1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol), acids (butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid and propanoic acid). Many cyclic hydrocarbons were detected: indole, phenol, p-cresol and piperidin-2-one are some examples. The aldehydes are also present, overall butanal, hexanal, heptanal and nonanal. We however found no trace of cadaverine or putrescine. Our results may have potential implication in a better understanding of the olfactive signature of a human or animal cadaveric corpse. Especially in the field of forensic entomology, these chemical compounds may have an attractive role on the necrophagous insect behaviour. Further studies based on the relationships that may exist between cadaveric VOCs and necrophagous insects are currently conducted at the Department of functional and evolutionary Entomology (GxABT, Ulg).
Disciplines :
Chemistry
Author, co-author :
Dekeirsschieter, Jessica ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Sciences agronomiques > Entomologie fonctionnelle et évolutive
Verheggen, François  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Sciences agronomiques > Entomologie fonctionnelle et évolutive
Haubruge, Eric  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Services administratifs généraux > Vice-Recteur de Gembloux Agro Bio Tech - Entomologie fonctionnelle et évolutive
Language :
English
Title :
Volatile collection of cadaveric compounds
Publication date :
14 October 2010
Number of pages :
A0
Event name :
Journée scientifique annuelle de la société royale de chimie - Chimie verte
Event place :
Gembloux, Belgium
Event date :
14 octobre 2010
Available on ORBi :
since 14 November 2010

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