Volatile constituents from cauliflower and other crucifers

Vapour emanating from intact turnip and radish plants contained small amounts of only one component, probably hexenyl acetate, distinguishable from background vapours. From disrupted leaf tissues of cauliflower, turnip, radish and wallflower at 30°, the predominant vapour component was cis-hex-3-enyl acetate, whereas allyl isothiocyanate was the chief component from Brassica juncea. Other minor components were also identified. Apart from isothiocyanates, the only sulphur-containing component identified from these crucifers was dimethyl disulphide which was detected only from cauliflower, particularly in vapour from disrupted curd tissue.