Volatile Sulfur Compound Production (VSC Production)

Volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production refers to the biological or chemical generation of low-molecular-weight, volatile molecules containing sulfur, such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), methyl mercaptan (CH₃SH), and dimethyl sulfide ((CH₃)₂S). These compounds are notable for their strong odors and play significant roles in various environments, including oral health, food and beverage quality, environmental processes, and industrial applications. VSC production is primarily a microbial process involving the breakdown of sulfur-containing amino acids under anaerobic conditions, but can also occur via chemical pathways.

Other names

VSC formationHydrogen sulfide productionMethyl mercaptan productionDimethyl sulfide production

Copper reacts with H₂S and other thiols to form copper salts that can be removed via filtration