HPLC-UV analysis of the reaction of diacetyl with N-α-acetylarginine (3) for 24 h at room temperature showing (A) the four reaction products 2, 4, 6, and 7, (B) the re-equilibration of isolated fraction 6 into fractions 2 and 6, 2 h following isolation, and (C) the re-equilibration of isolated fraction 7 into fractions 4 and 7, 2 h following isolation.