Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of 5-alkyl-4-hydroxy-3[2H]furanones and/or 2,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxy-3[2H]furanones, wherein each alkyl group independently has one to six carbons, comprising(a) saponifying an ester selected from the group of 3,4-dihydroxyfurans substituted at the 2- and/or 5-position with one or two carbalkoxy groups, wherein each alkoxy group independently contains one to six carbon atoms, and optionally substituted at the 2- or 5-position with an alkyl group with one to six carbon atoms, or tautomeric forms or keto-enol isomers thereof,(b) treating with one or two alkylation reagents which independently may have one to six carbon atoms, and(c) subsequently recovering the 5-alkyl-4-hydroxy-3[2H]furanones and/or 2,5-dialkyl-4-hydroxy-3[2H]furanones.