Rationalizing the formation of damascenone: synthesis and hydrolysis of damascenone precursors and their analogues, in both aglycone and glycoconjugate forms.

Storage of megastigma-4,6,7-trien-3,9-diol (5), and megastigma-3,4-dien-7-yn-9-ol (6) in aqueous ethanol solution at pH 3.0 and 3.2 gave exclusively damascenone (1) and damascenone adducts at room temperature.

Precursors to damascenone: synthesis and hydrolysis of isomeric 3,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4,6,7-trienes.

A series of four isomeric 3,9-dihydroxymegastigma-4,6,7-trienes, 8, has been prepared. The (3S,6R,9S) isomer of 8 proved to be identical to an isomer of this compound tentatively identified as an intermediate in the formation of damascenone from an allene triol. Each of the four isomers, when hydrolyzed independently of each other at pH 3.

Fate of damascenone in wine: the role of SO2.

Damascenone has been shown to undergo reaction with common wine components. Following the action of acid and heat alone, two bicyclic compounds, 4,9,9-trimethyl-8-methylenebicyclo[3.3.