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Sulfanyl alcohols are culprits in smelly armpits The typical smell associated with the human armpit is caused by a witches' brew of molecules, including steroids, fatty acids, and sulfur-containing compounds. The sulfur compounds are the most malodorous, but little has been known about them, until now. Research groups at two Swiss fragrance and flavor companies have identified these compounds as sulfanyl alcohols [Chem. Biodiversity, 1, 1022 and 1058 (2004)]. A team led by Anthony J. Clark at Firmenich found eight sulfanyl alcohols in sweat from exercising volunteers, including the major component (S)-3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (shown), which has an onionlike smell that is likely the "most important contributor to the typical and repulsive sweat malodor." A second team led by Andreas Natsch at Givaudan Schweiz also identified 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, as well as three additional sulfanyl alcohols with equally pungent odors. Both teams identified Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, and other bacteria that dwell in the armpits and produce enzymes that convert precursor compounds in the initially odorless sweat to the stinky compounds. The Givaudan team also showed that the sulfanyl compounds are derived from compounds that contain the sulfur-based amino acid cysteine |
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