When we cut an onion, the vegetable emits an odour and our eyes tear up. Which of the following compounds is responsible for the tears and odour resulting from freshly cut onions?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is option 2. Sulphuric acid.
The compound responsible for the tears and odor resulting from freshly cut onions is a sulfur-containing compound. Specifically, it is a compound called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This compound is produced when the onion cells are damaged, leading to the release and enzymatic conversion of certain sulfur compounds in the onion.
Among the options provided sulphuric acid is not the compound responsible for the tears and odor in onions. Sulphuric acid is a strong mineral acid and is not typically found in significant quantities in onions.
The correct answer is not among the options provided. The compound related to onion tears is syn-propanethial-S-oxide, a sulfur compound.