GC-C-IRMS and 1H-NMR characterization of synthetic bis(methylthio)methane in truffle flavorings

Bis(methyl-thio)methane (BMTM), the molecule which provides “white truffle-like” flavor was characterized by physico-chemical methods. Analysis by GC-C-IRMS of eight samples of synthetic BMTM from various origins, ten samples purchased on the Italian flavoring market and twenty seasoning purchased on the Italian market, allowed the investigation of the global δ 13C values. Analysis by 1H NMR of two samples of both a synthetic standard and a “white truffle-like” flavor consisting of synthetic BMTM as the principal component allowed the investigation of the isotopic distribution of 13C/12C ratio in two characteristic sites of this molecule. An easily produced extract using methanol-d4 allowed the identification and the characterization of BMTM available in “white truffle-like” flavorings distributed on the specialized flavorings market as synthetic BMTM supported in olive oil.