Trimethylamine oxide in marine products

Abstract

Abstract Following an historical introduction, a short survey is given of the chemical properties of trimethylamine oxide. The results of determinations of the content of trimethylamine oxide in Norwegian marine products, as well as results of investigations of the fate of trimethylamine oxide during bacterial decomposition of raw materials for canning, are reported. Certain chemical reactions taking place in canned products during storage, are then treated. In this connection the importance of trimediylamine oxide in the corrosion of cans and for the “maturing” of canned products is discussed.