A new straightforward synthesis of 2-acetyl-l-pyrroline, the principal rice flavor component with a cracker-like flavor, is reported. The reaction sequence involves the conversion of pyrrolidine into tripyrroline, subsequent hydrocyanation of the latter into 2-cyanopyrrolidine, oxidation into 2-cyano-1-pyrroline, and Grignard addition of methylmagnesium iodide, affording an overall yield of 16-19 7% from pyrrolidine. In similar way, 2-propionyl-l- ...
