The catalysis of nitrosation by thiocyanate from saliva

E. Boyland, E. Nice, K. Williams

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82 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Experiments with N-methylaniline and morpholine have shown that thiocyanate, a normal constituent of human saliva, has a pronounced catalytic effect on the reaction between nitrite and secondary amines to form nitrosamines. After the ingestion of food containing nitrite, therefore, the presence of saliva may cause the formation of nitrosamines in the stomach to be greater than has previously been suspected.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)639-643
Number of pages5
JournalFood and Cosmetics Toxicology
Volume9
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1971
Externally publishedYes

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