Abstract
Various amino acids were irradiated (0.6-2 mev [gamma] -radiation) in aqueous solutions in N2 atmospheres and their comparative yields of carbonyl compounds were measured. The products of irradiated methionine were studied in detail. Hydroxy amino acids gave the highest yields of carbonyl compounds. The irradiation of methionine produced carbonyls, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and mercaptans. Irradiated methionine had an intense odor characteristic of the mercaptans.