Characterization studies on insoluble total N-nitroso compounds in bacon adipose connective tissue

Enzymic hydrolysis was employed to solubilize 35% of the total N-nitroso compounds associated with bacon adipose connective tissue. Size exclusion chromatography of the digest showed that 95% of the solubilized N-nitroso compounds had molecular weights equivalent to those of di-, tri- and tetrapeptides. The likely identity of these compounds is discussed in the light of their extractability from acidified solution into ethyl acetate and their thermal and pH stability.