Neutralizing the Smell of Fish Trimethylamine,\(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)_{3} \mathrm{N}\) $\left(K_{\mathrm{b}}=6.5 \times10^{-5} \text {at } 25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right),$ contributes to the "fishy"odor of not-so-fresh seafood. Some people squeeze fresh lemon juice (whichcontains a high concentration of citric acid) on cooked fish to reduce thefishy odor. Why is this practice effective?
Short Answer
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Answer: Lemon juice is effective in neutralizing the fishy smell because it contains a high concentration of citric acid, a weak acid. When citric acid reacts with Trimethylamine, a weak base, they undergo a neutralization reaction, forming a salt that does not have the fishy odor. This reaction helps to neutralize the smell by breaking down the basic compound that causes the odor, effectively masking the fishiness.
Step by step solution
01
Write the chemical formula for Trimethylamine and citric acid
The chemical formula for Trimethylamine is given as \((\mathrm{CH}_{3})_{3} \mathrm{N}\), and the chemical formula for citric acid is \(\mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{8}\mathrm{O}_{7}\).
Write the general formula for a neutralization reaction
A neutralization reaction between an acid (HA) and a base (B) can be described as follows:$$\mathrm{HA} + \mathrm{B} \longrightarrow \mathrm{A}^- + \mathrm{HB^+}$$In this case, HA represents citric acid and B represents Trimethylamine.
03
Write the specific neutralization reaction between Trimethylamine and citric acid
The acid-base reaction between Trimethylamine and citric acid can be written as:$$\mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{8}\mathrm{O}_{7} + (\mathrm{CH}_{3})_{3} \mathrm{N} \longrightarrow \mathrm{C}_{6}\mathrm{H}_{7}\mathrm{O}_{7}^- + (\mathrm{CH}_{3})_{3}\mathrm{NH^+}$$
04
Explain why the practice of using lemon juice is effective
Squeezing lemon juice, which has a high concentration of citric acid, on cooked fish contributes to the effectiveness of neutralizing the fishy odor caused by Trimethylamine. The acid-base reaction between citric acid and Trimethylamine produces a salt, which does not have the same fishy odor. The salt formation effectively neutralizes the smell by hidrolizing the basic compound that causes the odor.
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What cancels out the smell of fish? Acid is a great odor neutralizer when it comes to fish, such as lemon juice or vinegar. Milk and baking soda can also help to neutralize fish odors.
Healthcare providers may refer to this condition as TMAU or fish odor syndrome. There's no cure for TMAU. But changing the kinds of food that you eat, using certain soaps and lotions, and managing stress can help reduce trimethylaminuria symptoms.
Have some essential oils handy? They can be a quick way to eliminate fish odors. You can put a few drops in a pot of boiling water on the stove, or add some to a diffuser if you have one. Lavender is a good bet, as well as any of your citrus choices.
Sometimes, just taking a shower or bath and changing your underwear and pants can help get rid of a fishy vagin*l smell. If you don't have time to take a bath or shower, use a warm washcloth and wipe down the area until you do. It's important to include the folds between your legs and belly, as they can trap odor.
Mix three tablespoons of white vinegar and one cup of water in a saucepan, and boil for several minutes. Vinegar is acidic, and odors are alkaline, allowing it to neutralize smells.
Lingering fish smells should diminish within 12-24 hours as long as the source of the smell has been removed from the house. Fish can sometimes have a unique odor, the tips and tricks provided above should help remove any unwanted odors, leaving you to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal worry-free.
First, try boiling a mixture of oil and vinegar on your stovetop. The scent should, after a few minutes, make the fish smell dissipate. If you don't have any oil, Reader's Digest says you can also mix the vinegar with water, for a similar effect.
Especially for fish with strong fishy odor like carp, catfish, barramundi, tilapia, basa catfish, pangasius, salmon, and white pomfret, you can rub salt on the fish surface. Then, rinse with clean water. This method helps prevent fishiness when cooking.
If fishy-smelling urine is a person's only symptom, they may want to wait for a couple of days to see if it clears up. Drinking more water may help. However, if a person has a fever, pain, or difficulty urinating, they should speak with a doctor right away.
Trimethylamine (TMA) is the simplest tertiary aliphatic amine. It's responsible for the pungent odor given off by fish and other marine and aquatic animals. It is also a degradation product of plants that have high nitrogen contents and a distillation product of sugarbeet residues.
Open windows, turn on exhaust fans, or use a range hood while cooking fish to help remove any odors. Positioning a portable fan near the cooking area can also help circulate the air and minimize the smell.
Rinsing fish before cooking or using lemon during or after cooking will lessen the odor effect on you. Other foods also may cause an evident odor in the sweat and urine. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and asparagus can change the odor of urine and sweat, as can garlic, onions and some spices.
What is the best way to neutralize fish oil smell? Fish oil odor is best handled with baking soda to start. If the scent lingers, another home remedy is to try vinegar or lemon juice. Vinegar is safe on colorfast clothing but only use lemon juice on whites since it can have a bleaching effect.
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