A method for quantitative analysis of flavor-tainting alkylphenols and aromatic thiols in fish.

Simultaneous steam distillation-extraction (SDE) of fortified rainbow trout tissue resulted in greater than 95% recovery of 2-isopropylphenol, 3-isopropylphenol, 4-isopropylphenol, 2,4-diisopropylphenol, 2,5-diisopropylphenol, 3,5-diisopropylphenol, carvacrol and thymol. Lower recoveries were obtained for 2,6-diisopropylphenol (81%), thiophenol (55%), and thiocresol (85%). Analysis of concentrated extracts by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry operated in the selected ion monitoring mode allowed quantitative detection of these compounds down to 0.5 ppb based on 20 g of initial sample.