Quantitative analysis of alkylpyrazines in regular- and low-fat commercial peanut butter preparations

A simple, modified version of the selective purge and trap method was applied for a quantitative analysis of the trace amount of pyrazines present in both regular- and low-fat commercial peanut butter preparations. A total of 33 volatile compounds were identified, the three most abundant individual pyrazines being 2,5 (or 2,6)-dimethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, and pyrazine which comprised 55-79% of the total pyrazine concentration. Minor or trace quantities of thiazoles, oxazoles, pyrroles, and pyridine were also identified in the sample.