Abstract:

The scavenging effects of five typical phenols on sodium nitrite under varying conditions of phenol-to-nitrite
molar ratio, temperature and pH were investigated as well as the inhibitory effects on the synthesis of diethylnitrosamine
(NDEA). Results showed that the five phenols were all capable of scavenging sodium nitrite in a concentration-dependent
manner, and their scavenging capabilities followed the decreasing order: 1,3-benzenediol ＞ o-benzenediol ＞ pyrogallol ＞
p-benzenediol ＞ phenol. A higher temperature and an acid condition promoted the scavenging of sodium nitrite by phenols.
Pyrogallol, p-benzenediol and o-benzenediol could apparently restrain the generation of NDEA at low concentration. Phenol
promoted rather than inhibited the generation of NDEA. 1,3-Benzenediol benefited NDEA formation at low concentration,
but an inhibitory effect was observed at high concentration. The blocking of nitrosamine synthesis by phenols was favored
under the conditions of high temperature and weak acid.

Key words: sodium nitrite, diethylnitrosamine, phenolic compounds, scavenging, inhibition