Re: How does lime neutralize the odors of decaying carcasses?

There is no easy answer to this question that I could find in the 
literature, so I will do the best I can with my knowledge of the facts...

Decaying flesh typically smells because of two major classes of compounds:  
amines and sulfides.  For example, one of the characteristic odors of 
decaying flesh contains two amino functionalities, and it was given the 
common name of "putrescine."  Degrading bacteria and fungi synthesize these 
nasty-smelling compounds using components of proteins in the flesh.  

Lime (CaO) or hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) simply act as strong oxidizing agents 
to convert ammonia or amines to nitrates and sulfides to sulfates.  The 
nitrates and sulfates are not nearly as odiferous.

Lime can also be used to eliminate odors caused by organic acids (e.g. body 
odor, uric acid, etc.) by neutralizing the acid.

Have fun!