Pungent compounds. Part I. An improved synthesis of the paradols (alkyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethyl ketones) and an assessment of their pungency

Eleven members of the homologous series of paradols, of which one, [6]paradol (n-heptyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenethyl ketone), occurs naturally in the seeds of Amomum melegueta Roscoe (Zingiberaceae)(otherwise known as Grains of Paradise, Guinea pepper, or Melegueta pepper), have been synthesised by an improved method. Physical characteristics, including g.l.c. behaviour, and pungency evaluation experiments are described for the series.