Abstract: 3-Furyl alkyl sulfides having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 lower alkyl and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, are described as being useful in altering, modifying or enhancing the organoleptic properties of foodstuffs.

Abstract: Process for producing 2-mercapto alkane-1,4-diones comprising the steps of:I. Providing a 2-ene-1,4-dione having the structure: ##STR1##ii. Intimately admixing said 2-ene-1,4-dione with a sulfur compound having the formula:R.sub.3 SHthereby providing a substituted or unsubstituted 2-thia substituted alkane 1,4 dione having the structure: ##STR2##iii. Hydrolyzing said 2-thia substituted 1,4 dione thereby forming a 2-mercapto alkane-1,4-dione having the structure: ##STR3## wherein R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of acyl and aroyl, wherein R.sub.2 is lower alkyl; and wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.6 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl; wherein when R.sub.1 is hydrogen, the reaction (ii) is carried out in the presence of an organic base; and wherein when R.sub.1 is lower alkyl, the reaction (ii) is carried out in the absence of catalyst or in the presence of catalyst.

Abstract: Methods for altering, modifying or enhancing the roasted, nutty taste and aroma of foodstuffs comprising incorporating with such foodstuffs a small but effective amount of 2-methyl-3-thio-(2-methylbutyryl)-furan having the formula: ##SPC1##Together with compositions containing the 2-methyl-3-thio-(2-methylbutyryl)-furan for use in altering, modifying or enhancing such organoleptic properties.

Abstract: Methods for altering, modifying or enhancing the creamy, cocoa aroma and/or taste of foodstuffs comprising incorporating with such foodstuffs a small but effective amount of 2,5-dimethyl-3-thioisovaleryl furan having the structure: ##SPC1##

Abstract: Process for producing 3-thia substituted alkane 1,4 diones comprising the steps of:I. Providing a 2-ene-1,4 dione having the structure: ##SPC1##Ii. Intimately admixing said 2-ene-1,4 dione with a sulfur compound having the formula:R.sub.3 SHthereby providing a substituted or sunsubstituted 2-thia substituted alkane 1,4 dione having the structure: ##SPC2##WhereinR.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of acyl and royl, wherein R.sub.2 is lower alkyl; and wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.4 and r.sub.6 are the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl; wherein when R.sub.1 is hydrogen, the reaction (ii) is carried out in the presence of an organic base; and wherein when R.sub.1 is lower alkyl, the reaction (ii) is carried out in the absence of catalyst. Examples of such organic bases are piperidine, pyridine, triethyl amine, quinoline or alpha-picoline.