Studies on the Formation of Nitrosamines (IV)

Kinetical Studies on the Carboxymethylnitrosourea Formation from Glycocyamine and Sodium Nitrite

Abstract

The rates of carboxymethylnitrosourea (CMNU) formation from glycocyamine (GC) and sodium nitrite were studied at pH 2.5 and 37°C, considering the condition in the human stomach after ingestion of foods. The initial rates of CMNU formation were calculated from the absorbance at 394nm after decomposition of nitrite with sulfamic acid. They were proportional to the concentration of glycocyamine and nitrite under experimental condition.
The effects of thiocyanate, citrate, tartrate, sodium chloride and ascorbate on the rates of CMNU formation from GC and nitrite were also studied. Thiocyanate, citrate and tartrate accelerated CMNU formation, and ascorbate inhibited it. Sodium chloride did not affect CMNU formation under experimental condition.