Comparative formation of 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in creatinine/phenylalanine and creatinine/phenylalanine/4-oxo-2-nonenal reaction mixtures

► 4-Oxo-2-nonenal increased by 400% the PhIP formed in a creatinine/Phe system. ► 4-Oxo-2-nonenal decreased the Ea of PhIP formation from 112.9 to 80.9 kJ/mol. ► 4-Oxo-2-nonenal seemed to contribute to the Phe degradation needed to form PhIP.