Phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons are components in many foods and often typical flavoring substances for example of roasted and smoked products. They are also of toxicological importance. By means of model reactions we have investigated their formation by thermal fragmentation of cinnamic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. The products of these reactions were determined by gas chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy. Product ratio and mass spectra are given. Barley was roasted in a similar manner, and the components formed were identified. Column chromatography and preparative gas chromatography were used for preliminary separation.

Volatile phenolic compounds of beer, wort, smoked beer, and sherry were enriched, separated, identified, and quantified by means of the methods of column chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The analyzed foods are significantly varying in the composition and quantity of the phenolic components. Four origins of phenolics in food are shown by these results.

The applications of herbicides in agriculture are very intensive. A great number of admitted compounds and their use require a consequent control of residues, especially in vegetables and fruits. Because the analysis are very costly in time and material only multi-residue-methods are practicable. The Sweep-Co-Method can improve the present situation.