New Oxa-Bridged Macrocycles

In creating new aroma molecules, the fragrance chemist can make use of several tools: receptor or combinatorial research as well as lead structure optimization of existing chemicals or substances from the natural pool. Sometimes, it is also possible to discover new structures via another way: the careful analysis of existing products and their production processes. In analyzing the production process of 1‐oxacyclohexadecan‐2‐one (6), we identified at least two new oxa‐bridged macrocyclic molecules. In continuation, these results inspired us to synthesize and evaluate more representatives with similar structures. In this contribution, presented at the RSC/SCI conference ‘flavours & fragrances 2007’ in London, September 24–26, 2007, the synthesis and olfactory properties of several new oxa‐bridged macrocycles will be introduced and discussed.