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Which amines contribute to the smell of decaying flesh?
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amine
Examples of different types of amines.
The amines primarily responsible for the characteristic odor of decaying flesh are putrescine () and cadaverine ().1
These compounds are classified as diamines and are known for their foul, putrid odors. They are produced during the process of decomposition, as organic matter breaks down into simpler substances. Generally, lower-molecular-weight amines are characterized by fishy to putrid smells, which become less noticeable as the size of the molecule increases.12