“…The Cg homologue, a-keto-y-valerolactone (III) has been described by Rossi et al (1948)) but the authors did not mention its flavoring characteristics ; however, an unstable compound, isomeric with (III) but of unknown structure, was isolated as a flavor carrier from soy sauce (Yokotsuka,195s). CH2CH3 CH3 CH2CH2CH3 (Ill) (IV) The Cs homologue, a-keto-ðyl-y-enantholactone (IV), has been synthesized in this laboratory by the method of Monnin (1957), and it had a flavor much weaker than, and different in character from, that of the C, compound. Although the literature on other a-keto-r-lactones--carrying alkyl groups in the & or y-positions-is quite extensive (Schinz et al, 1947 ;Schinz et al, 1948 ;Monnin, 1957)) no reports on their flavor have been made.…”