Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of α-terpineol thioacetate and thiol derivatives and their use as flavouring compounds.

Abstract

Reaction of (R,S)-α-terpineol with thioacetic acid in food-grade n-hexane resulted into two α-terpineol thioacetate derivatives with the same molecular weight. After 5 h of reaction time, (R,S)-α-terpineol was completely transformed and the mixture analysed by different chromatographic techniques. The aroma character of the α-terpineol thioacetates was described as exotic, sweet, blackcurrant, roasted and sulphury. Of eight lipases and two esterases assayed, only non-immobilized pig liver esterase (PLE) hydrolysed α-terpineol thioacetates into the corresponding α-terpineol thiols. When reactions were performed in 0.2 m phosphate buffer at pH 8.0 and 30 °C with non-immobilized PLE, α-terpineol thiols were produced in an optimal yield of 88% after 24 h of reaction time. The aroma character of α-terpineol thiols was described as green, exotic and fresh grapefruit. Flavouring powders were prepared by freeze-drying the α-terpineol thioacetates and α-terpineol thiols in the presence of maltodextrine. Preliminary applications showed that these flavouring preparations could be used to improve the flavour quality of lighter cooked notes and tropical fruit aromas.