Abstract
The structurally well-defined cutin of
Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) fruit has been used to examine the major mechanisms of pyrolysis of this class of natural lipid polyester. On the basis of the products identified by Curie-point pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry it was concluded that the main pyrolytic mechanisms are six-membered ring rearrangement reactions triggered by the ester function. The generation of products produced by cleavage of one bond in the polymer is highly favoured when compared to those which can be volatilized only after the cleavage of two or more bonds.