[The occurence and distribution of volatile amines in marine algae].

Twenty-eight species of marine Chlorophyceae (5), Phaeophyceae (11), and Rhodophyceae (12) were examined for the occurence of simple volatile amines. The volatile alkaline constituents of the algal samples were extrated by alkaline steam destillation and separated and identified by paper chromatography and microcristallography. A total of 9 volatile amines were found to occur in the species so far examined: methylamine (MA), dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), ethylamine (ÄA), propylamine (PA), isobutylamine (iBA), isoamylamine (iAA), 2-phenylethylamine (PÄA), and 2-methylmercaptopropylamine (MMPA). MMPA has not previously been reported to occur in any other plant. The occurence of TMA is widespread in marine algae (23 of 28 sp.) whereas an occurrence of DMA could be demonstrated only in two species. MA, which was found in all algal samples, might be formed from labile methylamino-compounds in the course of preparation. Its coccurrence as a natural constituent of algae remains doubtful. Primary amines could be identified in species of each of the three classes of algae, but an especially widespread occurrence was found in Rhodophyceae. With the exception of MA the primary volatile amines, at least those of Rhodophyceae, arise biosynthetically from the corresponding amino acids by enzymatic decarboxylation.