Structural determination and odor characterization of N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,3-thiazolidine, a new intense popcorn-like-smelling odorant

The chemical structure of a novel, roasty, popcorn-like-smelling aroma compound formed from the reaction of fructose with cysteamine was studied by high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The structure of N-(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,3-thiazolidine exhibiting the extremely low odor threshold of 0.005 ng/L in air was finally confirmed by synthesis.