Extractives from New Zealand Honeys. 5. Aliphatic Dicarboxylic Acids in New Zealand Rewarewa (Knightea excelsa) Honey

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jf00060a006

Thirty-two aliphatic dicarboxylic acids were identified as methyl esters in the methylated diethyl ether extracts of four unifloral grade New Zealand rewarewa (Knightea excelsa) honeys using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 2-Methoxybutanedioic acid (O-methylmalic acid) and 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-pentenedioic acid are proposed as floral marker substances for New Zealand rewarewa honey.The total level of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids identified in the rewarewa honey samples ranged from 64 to 111 mg/kg, with an average level of 88 mg/kg.Keywords: Rewarewa (Knightea excelsa) honey; aliphatic dicarboxylic acids; 2-methoxybutanedioic acid; 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-pentenedioic acid