Lipoxygenase isoenzymes L-1 (optimum pH 9.0) and L-2 (pH 6.5) were incubated with linoleic acid. The extracted volatile compounds were separated by gas-chromatography and analysed by mass spectrometry. The relative amounts of volatile carbonyl compounds, which were formed during catalysis were determined (mole percent). L-1 yielded hexanal (greater than 90% at pH 7 and 70% at pH 8.5). L-2 at pH 7 yielded hexanal (31), two geometric isomers of 2,4-decadienal (40), 2-trans-heptenal (12) and 2-trans-octenal (10).