Abstract: The present invention provides compounds which upon thermolyis, hydrolysis or both, release an odorant molecule. They find utility, for example, in tobacco, in tobacco paper, and as additives to food, beverages or gum. These compounds are dicarboalkoxy dioxolane derivatives having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are, independently, --CO.sub.2 R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.3 is --H.sub.3 or lower alkyl, provided that in at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, R.sub.4 is lower alkyl; wherein Z is a direct bond, or --CH.dbd.C(R.sup.4)--; where R.sup.4 is an alkyl group; and Y is, when Z is a direct bond, ##STR2## where R.sup.5 is lower alkyl; and Y, when Z is --CH.dbd.C(R.sup.4)--, ##STR3## where R.sup.6 is H, lower alkyl or OR.sup.7, where R.sup.7 is H or lower alkyl.