Volatile Components of Muskmelon Fruit

Abstract

Volatile components of muskmelon fruit (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naudin) obtained by vacuum steam distillation at 60-70° in a water recycling apparatus were separated by gas chromatography and subjected to mass spectral analyses, cis-6-Nonen-1-ol, not previously known as a natural product, has been identified. Additional compounds isolated from melon for the first time are: ethyl n-hexanoate, n-hexyl propionate, butyl octanoate, hexyl hexanoate, ethyl n-decanoate, n-decyl acetate, ethyl dodecenoate, hexyl octanoate, ethyl n-dodecanoate, ethyl tetradecenoate, methyl n-pentadecanoate, methyl hexadecadienoate, ethyl hexadecadienoate, benzaldehyde, n-nonanal, and trimethylbenzene. A series of alcohols and aldehydes each containing nine carbon atoms appears to be characteristic of this fruit. Infrared data confirm mass spectral evidence that a component with a muskmelon-like aroma isolated earlier is a nonadienol. An ultraviolet spectrum indicates that the double bonds of the nonadienol are conjugated. © 1972, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.