Odorous compounds of asafetida. VII. Isolation and identification.

Asafetida is the oleogum resin exudate obtained from the roots and stems of ferula plants (Umbelliferae). It has a characteristic, strong and agreeable odour and is used as a flavouring in a var. of foods in the form of compounded asafetida. There are different types of asafetida distinguished by their colour, appearance and odour characteristics. The main constituents of asafetida are volatile oil, resin and gum. The volatile oil, responsible for the characteristic flavour of asafetida, consists of 3 major S compounds, viz, 2-butylpropenyl disulphide, 1-(1-methylthiopropyl) 1-propenyl disulphide and 2-butyl 3-methylthioallyl disulphide. The isolation and purification of the above compounds have been achieved by chromatographic techniques (inverted dry column, GLC and HPLC). The structural details of these have been discussed on the basis of their spectral characteristics (UV, IR, NMR and MS).