Use
Methyl cyclopentenolone occurs in beechwood tar
and has a caramel-like (burnt sugar) odor. It has been identified as a flavor
component in food. Crystals of the compound usually contain 1 mol
of water. Synthetic routes of production are of limited importance in comparison
with isolation from beechwood tar. Homologs of cyclotene such as
3-ethyl-2-hydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one, C7H10O2, Mr 126.16,
2-hydroxy-3,4-dimethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, C7H10O2, Mr 126.16, and 2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, C7H10O2, Mr 126.16,
are also used as flavor ingredients and have similar caramel-like
properties.
Cyclotene and its homologs are frequently used in flavor compositions for its
caramel note, for example, in beverages and in confectionery.