Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for reducing odors

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for reducing odors or as an auxiliary agent for reducing odors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The reduction of odors, particularly unpleasant odors, is a problem that is difficult to deal with and solve in terms of perfumery and composition. Above all, the special nature of a respective unpleasant odor severely limits the use of various preparations, in particular perfumes of the different fragrance types that are customary. In most cases, such a reduction in unpleasant odors can only be achieved with a specially developed perfume oil, which itself has its own very specific type of fragrance. The unpleasant odor impressions are normally solely covered with the help of substances of a different fragrant odor.

[0003] Substances which are able to reduce the intensity of unpleasant odors or even to completely eliminate the unpleasant odor without themselves having any appreciable olfactory perfume intensity are therefore of great interest. Such substances could advantageously neutralize unpleasant odors without the respective unpleasant odor only to be covered by a certain inherent smell. The use of such substances has or would have the advantage that, for example, perfume oils of any desired scent type can be used for scenting or perfuming objects, also fragrances or products with unpleasant odors. As a result, the consumer can be offered a much broader selection of fragrance types.

[0004] Numerous proposals for combating unpleasant odors can be found in the literature, however, they often have an unsatisfactory odor reduction of unpleasant odors. In the methods known in the prior art for reducing unpleasant odors, there is often the disadvantage that the (fragrance) substances or (fragrance) substance mixtures used have to be used in considerable amounts, which leads to cost and application problems. Moreover, using high amounts of fragrances is not very environmentally conscious.

[0005] It was therefore the primary object of the present invention to specify alternative or improved substances or substance mixtures for reducing odors, in particular for reducing odors which are of unpleasant smell.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This is solved by the use of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for reducing odors or as an auxiliary agent for reducing odors.

[0007] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention may be present in any stereoisomeric form or may be present as any mixture of stereoisomers.

[0008] What has been said herein for Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, in particular the advantages described herein, also apply to a mixture of stereoisomers of Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate to be used or to be employed according to the invention or to a mixture of different Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate.

[0009] " Reduction of odors", especially unpleasant odors, is used in the present text to mean partial reduction or total reduction, i.e. elimination of odors, in particular unpleasant odors by a specific substance. Unpleasant odors in the sense of the present invention are in particular odors of human sweat, human faecal or urine, kitchen odors, in particular odors of old fat, old fish or butyric acid, and smoke or similar type of odors. [0010] A scenting or perfuming of a product in the narrower sense is to be distinguished from a neutralization or reduction of an unpleasant odor and can occur in addition to such a neutralization/reduction. Scenting or perfuming is understood to mean imparting an olfactory impression, i.e. an additional olfactory effect which may go beyond a complete or partial reduction of the unpleasant odor.

[0011] In the context of the present text, a fragrance is, in the broader sense, any substance that causes an olfactory impression or changes the olfactory perception of another substance due to an inherent odor. In the narrower sense, however, in the context of this invention, a fragrance is a substance that produces an olfactory impression, in particular an olfactory impression in humans. Accordingly, a fragrance mixture is a mixture comprising at least one, but in particular two or more fragrances in the narrower or broader sense.

[0012] As already mentioned above, the odor to be reduced according to the invention is preferably an unpleasant odor. As already mentioned in the introduction, unpleasant odors affect people's well-being. Such an unpleasant odor is preferably an odor of human exhalations and excretions, especially sweat, faeces and urine odors, i.e. in particular a human body odor, very particularly a human sweat odor (especially armpit sweat odor), or an odor of faeces or urine of animals, especially pets, or an odor of wet animal fur, especially wet fur of dogs or sheep, an odor of wet sheep's wool, or kitchen odors such as e.g. B. arise in the preparation of onions, garlic, cabbage or fish, or the smell of tobacco smoke, especially chilled tobacco smoke, or a smell of mold and / or waste. In particular, such an unpleasant odor is toilet odor, especially human faeces and urine odors, odors of faeces or urine of animals, especially pets, kitchen odors, especially old fat, old fish or butyric acid, or smoke, especially (cold) tobacco smoke.

[0013] Other odors that are preferably to be reduced in the context of the use according to the invention are unpleasant odors of industrially produced raw materials that are used in cosmetic, body care, household or cleaning products. In particular, an unpleasant odor can be an odor that occurs when using special cosmetic preparations such as e.g. hair coloring, hair shaping and depilatory products.

[0014] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention is advantageously light accessible or producible, has a high effectiveness even at low concentrations, especially at concentrations at which Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate has no or at least only a barely perceptible odor, is largely or completely colorless, has a high stability in different mixtures or preparations and does not have any toxic and/or allergenic effects on humans.

[0015] In addition, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate has the advantage that when used, in particular when used according to the invention, it can be combined with different fragrances and perfume oils or customary components of a perfume oil in order to perfume products with any desired fragrance. Consequently, a wide range of fragrance types can be offered to consumers by the present invention. Perfume mixtures and perfumed products according to the invention containing Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate are described below.

[0016] Additionally, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is renewable and bio-degradable, which is one of the most important things for the future fragrance industry.

[0017] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is not yet known as a fragrance compound; therefore, no precise odor description is already available. Advantageously however, Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention only has a very faint intrinsic odor. The odor, preferably the unpleasant odor, to be reduced is thus primarily not masked by a specific intrinsic odor of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate in question. It is true that the mechanisms of action of the odor neutralization/odor reduction taking place within the scope of the present invention have not yet been conclusively clarified. However, the effect is presumably based on the fact that within the scope of a use according to the invention, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention interacts with various receptors in the olfactory mucosa of the human nose, which presumably leads to an (olfactory) sensory illusion, so that the perceived olfactory impression is no longer associated with the original cause (an unpleasant smell). The intrinsic odor of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention is preferably so weak or of such low (odor) intensity that it can hardly be perceived (by humans). This (very weakly smelling) Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is to be regarded as (perfume) auxiliaries for the purposes of the present invention.

[0018] That Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate can be used according to the invention was particularly surprising since the inventors found that Methyl 4-oxopentanoate has np effect with regard to (unpleasant) odor reduction.

[0019] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention or corresponding mixtures to be used according to the invention are particularly suitable for reducing an odor, in particular an unpleasant odor (e.g. in corresponding odor neutralized or scented products), and / or as an adjuvant to reduce an (unpleasant) odor.

[0020] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate also has the advantage that when it is used, in particular when it is used according to the invention, it can be combined with a wide variety of fragrances and perfume oils in order to perfume objects or products, in particular those with unpleasant odors, with any desired fragrance or to scent. [0021] Consequently, the present invention allows a wide range of fragrance types to be offered to consumers in combating unpleasant odors.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention,

[0023] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate has the following characteristics:

Formula I

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate has a molecular weight of 144.08 g/mol and a molecular formula of C7H12O3.

[0024] Preferably, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate has the following CAS-No.: 539-88-8. Furthermore, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is also known as Ethyl levulinate.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is used together with one or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for reducing odors or as an auxiliary agent for reducing odors. In particular, this can result

(i) in a mixture to reduce an odor, or

(ii) in a mixture in which individual components, in use, develop an unpleasant odor which is reduced by Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, or

(iii) in a mixture in which one, two or more of the fragrances different from Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate have an unpleasant odor which is reduced by the presence of Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate.

[0026] As already mentioned above, the unpleasant odor is preferably selected from the group consisting of sweat, in particular human sweat, toilet odor, human faecal or urine odor, odors from faecal or urine from animals, kitchen odors, in particular odors of old fat, old fish or butyric acid, and smoke odor, in particular of cold smoke odor. Thus, preferably Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is used together with at least one fragrance different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for reducing odors.

[0027] The at least one fragrance different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is preferably selected from the group consisting of Alpha-hexyl cinnamon aldehyde, 2- phenoxyethylisobutyrate, dihydromyrcenol, methyl-dihydrojasmonate, 4,6,6,7,8,8,- hexamethyl-1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran, tetrahydrolinalool, benzyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-(4-tert.-butyl-phenyl)propanal, cinnamon alcohol, 1 -phenyl acetate, octahydro-2,3,8,8,-tetramethyl-2-acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8- octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl-acetate, 2-tert.- butylcyclohexylacetate, alpha-ionone, terpinyl acetate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)- 3-cyclohexencarboxyaldehyde, alpha-amylcinnamon aldehyde, 15-pentadec-11 - enolide, 15-pentadec-12-enolide, 15-cyclopentadecanolide, cyclohexadecanon, 1 - (5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-2-naphthlenyl)eth anone, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3- trimethyl-3-caclopenten-1 -yl)-2-buten-1 -ol, menthol, eucalyptol, anethol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-diemthyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-propanol, rose oxide, allylheptanoate, 4-methylacetophenone, timberol, benzyl acetone, methylcinnamate, 3a,6,6,9btetramethyldodecahydronaphthol[2,1 -b]furane, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan- 1 -ol, 2-phenylethanol, linalool.

[0028] Preferably, the ratio of the total amount of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to the total amount of fragrances by weight is in the range from 10: 1 to 1 : 50, preferably in the range from 5: 1 to 1 : 30, particularly preferably in the range from 2:1 to 1 :20, particularly preferably in the range from 3:2 to 1 :10.

[0029] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate can be used in a variety of products; it can be used as a single fragrance, but it can be combined particularly advantageously with other fragrances in different proportions to form fragrance mixtures, and novel and original perfume compositions can also be created. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention also relates to a fragrance mixture and possibly further constituents (solvents or the like), which contains Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate.

[0030] The fragrance composition according to the invention comprises or consists of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and one or more, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate. [0031] Preferably, the fragrance composition represents a perfume oil. Perfume oils usually comprise or consist of synthetic or natural (preferably) tasteless and odorless carrier oils which contain fragrances or fragrances (e.g. a specific plant) as artificial or natural substances in highly concentrated form (and optionally perfumery solvents and I or auxiliaries). Perfume oils are therefore often used for fragrance applications.

[0032] Perfume oils, for example, are used to make perfumes by mixing them in (e.g. alcoholic) solutions which "entrain" the scents or fragrances when they evaporate and thus impart the sensory impression of a specific smell to the olfactory organ of the user, i.e. the human being. Such mixtures can be, for example, a perfume, eau de perfume or eau de toilette.

[0033] Perfume oils are also used to produce a specific scent in living spaces, such as when used in fragrance lamps, atomizers or diffusers. In addition, perfume oils can also be used in countless other articles or products.

[0034] Preferably, the fragrance composition according to the invention comprises or consists of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and two or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate. More preferably, the fragrance composition according to the invention comprises or consists of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and three or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate. Most preferably, the fragrance composition according to the invention comprises or consists of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and four or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate.

[0035] Examples of fragrances which may advantageously be combined with Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate in the context of the present invention can be found, for example, in S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Materials, Vol. I and II, Montclair, N. J. 1969, selfpublished, or K. Bauer ei a/., Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials, 4th Edition, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim 2001.

[0036] Specifically mentioned are: Extracts from natural raw materials such as essential oils, concretes, absolutes, resins, resinoids, balsams, tinctures such as.

Ambergris tincture; Amyris oil; Angelica seed oil; Angelica root oil; Anise oil; Valerian oil; Basil oil; tree moss absolute; bay oil; mugwort oil; benzoeresin; bergamot oil; Beeswax absolue; Birch tar oil; Bitter almond oil; Savory oil; Bucco leaf oil; Cabreuva oil; Cade oil; Calmus oil; Camphor oil; Cananga oil; Cardamom oil; Cascarilla oil; Cassia oil; Cassie-absolue; Castoreum-absolue; Cedar leaf oil; Cedarwood oil; Cistus oil; Citronella oil; Citron oil; Copaiva balsam; Copaiva balsam oil; Coriander oil; Costus root oil; Cumin oil; Cypress oil; Davana oil; Dill herb oil; Dill seed oil; Eau de brouts-Absolue; Oak moss absolute; Elemi oil; Tarragon oil; Eucalyptus citriodora oil; Eucalyptus oil; Fennel oil; Spruce needle oil; Galbanum oil; Galbanum resin; Geranium oil; Grapefruit oil; Guaiac wood oil; Gurjun balsam; Gurjun balsam oil; Helichrysum absolute; Helichrysum oil; Ginger oil; Iris root absolute; Iris root oil; Jasmine absolute; Calamus oil; Chamomile oil blue; Chamomile oil roman; Carrot seed oil; Cascarilla oil; Pine needle oil; Spearmint oil; Caraway oil; labdanum oil; labdanum absolute; labdanum resin; lavandin absolute; Lavandin oil; Lavender absolute; Lavender oil; Lemongrass oil; Lovage oil; Lime oil distilled; Lime oil pressed; Linaloe oil; Litsea cubeba oil; Bay leaf oil; Mace oil; Marjoram oil; Mandarin oil; Massoir bark oil; Mimosa absolute; Musk grain oil; Musk tincture; Muscat sage oil; Nutmeg oil; Myrrh absolute; Myrrh oil; Myrtle oil; Clove leaf oil; Clove flower oil; Neroli oil; Olibanum absolute; Olibanum oil; Opopanax oil; orange blossom absolute; orange oil; origanum oil; palmarosa oil; patchouli oil; Perilla oil; Perubalsam oil; Parsley leaf oil; Parsley seed oil; Petitgrain oil; Peppermint oil; Pepper oil; Allspice oil; Pine oil; Poley oil; Rose absolute; Rosewood oil; Rose oil; Rosemary oil; Sage oil Dalmatian; Sage oil Spanish; Sandalwood oil; Celery seed oil; Spicy lavender oil; Star anise oil; Styrax oil; Tagetes oil; Fir needle oil; Tea tree oil; Turpentine oil; Thyme oil; Tolu balsam; Tonka absolue; tuberose-absolue; vanilla extract; violet leaf-absolue; verbena oil; vetiver oil; juniper berry oil; wine yeast oil; wormwood oil; Wintergreen oil; ylang oil; hyssop oil; civet-absolue; cinnamon leaf oil; cinnamon bark oil and fractions thereof, or Ingredients isolated therefrom;

[0037] Individual odorants from the group of hydrocarbons, such as 3-carene; a- pinene; B-pinene; a-terpinene; y-terpinene; p-cymene; bisabolene; camphene; caryophyllene; cedrene; farnesene; limonene; longifolene; myrcene; ocimene; valencene; (E,Z)-1 ,3,5-undecatriene; styrene; diphenylmethane; of the aliphatic alcohols such as Hexanol; octanol; 3-octanol; 2,6-dimethylheptanol; 2- methyl-2-heptanol; 2-methyl-2-octanol; (E)-2-hexenol; 1 -octen-3-ol; mixture of 3,4,5,6,6-pentamethyl-3/4-hepten-2-ol and 3,5,6,6-tetramethyl-4-methyleneheptan-2- ol; (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienol; 3,7-dimethyl-7-methoxyoctan-2-ol; 9-decenol; 10-undecenol; 4-methyl-3-decen-5-ol; of aliphatic aldehydes and their acetals, such as Hexanal; heptanal; octanal; nonanal; decanal; undecanal; dodecanal; 2-methyloctanal; 2-methylnonanal; (E)-2-hexenal; (Z)- 4-heptenal; 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal; 10-undecenal; (E)-4-decenal; 2-dodecenal; 2,6, 10-trimethyl-9-undecenal; 2,6, 10-trimethyl-5,9-undecadienal; heptanaldiethyl acetal; 1 , 1 -dimethoxy-2,2,5-trimethyl-4-hexene; citronellyloxyacetaldehyde; 1 -( 1 -methoxy- propoxy)-(E/Z)-3-hexene; of aliphatic ketones and their oximes such as 2-heptanone; 2-octanone; 3-octanone; 2-nonanone; 5-methyl-3-heptanone; 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime; 2, 4,4,7- tetramethyl-6-octen-3-or|; 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one; of aliphatic sulfur-containing compounds such as 3-methylthiohexanol; 3- methylthiohexyl acetate; 3-mercaptohexanol; 3-mercaptohexyl acetate; 3- mercaptohexyl butyrate; 3-acetylthiohexyl acetate; 1 -menthen-8-thiol; of aliphatic nitriles such as 2-nonenoic acid nitrile; 2-undecenoic acid nitrile; 2- tridecenoic acid nitrile; 3, 12-tridecadienoic acid nitrile; 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid nitrile; 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid nitrile; esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids, e.g. (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl formate; ethyl acetoacetate; isoamyl acetate; 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acetate; 3-methyl-2-butenyl acetate; (E)-2-hexenyl acetate; (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate; Octyl acetate; 3-octyl acetate; 1 -octene-3-yl acetate; ethyl butyrate; butyl butyrate; isoamyl butyrate; hexyl butyrate; (E)- and (Z)-3-hexenyl isobutyrate; Hexyl crotonate; ethyl isovalerate; ethyl 2- methylpentanoate; ethyl hexanoate; allyl hexanoate; ethyl heptanoate; allyl heptanoate; ethyl octanoate; Ethyl (E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate; methyl 2-octinate; methyl 2-noninate; allyl 2-isoamyloxyacetate; M ethy 1 -3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene-oate;4-methyl-2- pentyl crotonate; of acyclic terpene alcohols such as. Geraniol; nerol; lavadulol; nerolidol; farnesol; tetrahydrolinalool; tetrahydrogeraniol; 2,2-Dimethyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)propan-1 -ol; 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol; 2,6-dimethyloctan-2-ol; 2- methyl-6-methylene-7-octen- 2-ol; 2,6-dimethyl-5,7-octadien-2-ol; 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-octadien-2-ol; 3,7-dimethyl- 4.6-octadien-3-ol; 3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1 -ol; (2E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1 -ol;

3.7-dimethyl-1 ,5,7-octatrien-3-ol 2,6-dimethyl-2,5J-octatrien-1 -ol; and their formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerianates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates and 3-methyl-2-butenoates; of the acyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones such as citronellal; 7-methoxy-3,7- dimethyloctanal; 2,6,10-trimethyl-9-undecenal; geranylacetone; and the dimethyl and diethylacetals of geranial, neral, of cyclic terpene alcohols such as. menthol; isopulegol; alpha-terpineol; terpinenol-4; menthan-8-ol; menthan-1 -ol; menthan-7-ol; borneol; isoborneol; linalool oxide; nopol; cedrol; ambrinol; vetiverol; guaiaol; and their formates, acetates, propionates, isobutyrates, butyrates, isovalerianates, pentanoates, hexanoates, crotonates, tiglinates and 3-methyl-2-butenoates; of cyclic terpene aldehydes and ketones such as Menthone; isomenthone; 8- mercaptomenthan-3-or|; carvone; camphor; fenchone; alpha-lonone; beta-lonone; alpha-n-methylionone; beta-n-methylionone; alpha-lsomethylionone; beta-lsomethyl- ionone; alpha-irone; beta-damascenone; 1 -(2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1 -yl)-2- buten-1 -one; 1 ,3,4,6,7,8a- Hexa hydro-1 , 1 ,5,5-tetramethyl-2H-2,4a-methano- naphthalen-8(5H)-on;2-Methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1 -cyclohexen-1 -yl)-2-butenal;

Nootkatone; dihydronootkatone; 4,6,8-megastigmatriene-3-or|; alpha-sinensal; beta- sinensal; acetylated cedarwood oil (methylcedrylketone); of cyclic alcohols such as 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol; 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol; 3- Isocamphylcyclohexanol; 2,6,9-trimethyl-Z2,Z5,E9-cyclododecatrien-1 -ol; 2-lsobutyl - 4-m ethyltetrahyd ro-2H-pyran-4-ol; 4-cyclohexylbutan-2-ol; of cycloaliphatic alcohols such as. alpha,3,3-trimethylcyclohexylmethanol; 1 -(4- lsopropylcyclohexyl)ethanol; 2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1 -yl)butanol; 2- methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1 -yl)-2-buten-1 -ol; 3-methyl-5-(2,2,3- trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1 -yl)-pentan-2-ol; 3-Methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1 - yl)-4-penten-2-ol; 3,3-Dimethyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopent-1 -yl)-4-penten-2-ol; 1 - (2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)pentan-3-ol; 1 -(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol; cyclic and cycloaliphatic ethers, e.g. Cineol; cedryl methyl ether; cyclododecyl methyl ether;1 , 1 -dimethoxycyclododecane; (ethoxymethoxy)cyclo-dodecane; alpha-cedrene epoxide; 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldodecahydro-naphtho[2, 1 -b]furan; 3a-ethyl-6,6,9a- trimethyldodecahydronaphtho[2, 1 b]furan; 1 ,5,9-tri-methyl-13-oxabicyclo[10. 1 ,0]trideca-4,8-diene; rose oxide; 2-(2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1 -yl)-5-m ethyl-5-( 1 - methyl propyl)- 1 , 3-d ioxane; of cyclic and macrocyclic ketones such as 4-tert.- butylcyclohexanone ; 2,2,5-trimethyl- 5-pentylcyclopentanone ; 2-heptylcyclopentanone ; 2-pentyl-cyclopentanone ; 2-hyd roxy-3-m ethyl-2-cyclopenten- 1 -one ; 3-methyl-cis-2-penten- 1 -yl-2-cyclopenten- 1 -one ; 3-methyl-2-pentyl-2-cyclopenten-1 -one ; 3-methyl-4-cyclopentadecenone ; 3- methyl-5-cyclopentadecenone ; 3-methylcyclopenta-decanone ; 4-(1 -ethoxyvinyl)-3, 3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexanone ; 4-tert. - pentylcyclo-hexanone; 5-cyclohexadecen-1 - one; 6,7-dihydro-1 , 1 ,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4(5H)-indanone; 8-cyclohexadecen-1 -one; 9- cycloheptadecen-1 -or|; cyclopentadecanone; cyclohexadecanone; of cycloaliphatic aldehydes such as 2-methyl-4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-cyclohexen-1 -yl)-2- butenal; 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde; 4-(4-methyl-3- penten-1 -yl )-3-cyclohexenecarbald ehyde ; of cycloaliphatic ketones, e.g. 1 -(3,3-Dimethylcyclohexyl)-4-penten-1 -on; 2,2- Dimethyl-1 -(2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1 -yl)-1 -propanon; 1 -(5,5-Dimethyl-1 - cyclohexen-1 -yl)-4-penten-1 -on; 2, 3,8,8-tetramethyl-1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8-octahydro-2- naphthalenyl methyl ketone; methyl 2,6, 10-trimethyl-2,5,9-cyclododecatrienyl ketone; tert. - butyl-(2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1 -yl)ketone; of ester of cyclic alcohols such as 2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; 2-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; 4-tert-pentylcyclohexyl acetate; 3,3, 5-tri methylcyclohexyl acetate; decahyd ro-2-naphthyl acetate; 2-cyclo-pentylcyclopentyl crotonate; 3-pentyl tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate; decahydro-2, 5, 5,8a- tetramethyl-2-naphthyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexa-hydro-5, resp. 6- indenyl acetate; 4,7-methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5, or 6-indenyl propionate; 4,7- methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5, or 6-indenyl isobutyrate; 4,7-methanooctahydro- 5, or 6-indenyl acetate; of esters of cycloaliphatic alcohols such as 1 -cyclohexylethyl crotonate; of esters of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids, e.g. Allyl 3-cyclohexyl propionate; allyl cyclohexyloxy acetate; ice and trans-methyl dihydrojasmonate; ice and trans-methyl jasmonate; methyl 2-hexyl-3-oxocyclopentane carboxylate; ethyl 2-ethyl-6,6-dimethyl-

2-cyclohexene carboxylate; ethyl 2,3,6,6-tetramethyl-2-cyclohexene carboxylate; ethyl

2-methyl-1 ,3-dioxolane-2-acetate; of araliphatic alcohols such as Benzyl alcohol; 2-phenylethanol; 1 -phenylethyl alcohol;

3-phenylpropanol; 2-phenylpropanol; 2-phenoxyethanol; 2,2-dimethyl-3- phenylpropanol; 2,2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)propanol; 1 , 1 -dimethyl-2- phenylethyl alcohol; 1 , 1 -dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol; 1 -ethyl-1 -methyl-3-phenyl- propanol; 2-methyl-5-phenylpentanol; 3-methyl-5-phenylpentanol; 3-phenyl-2- propen-1 -ol; 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol; 1 -(4-lsopropylphenyl)ethanol; of esters of araliphatic alcohols and aliphatic carboxylic acids, e.g. Benzyl acetate; benzyl propionate; benzyl isobutyrate; benzyl isovalerate; 2-phenylethyl acetate; 2- phenylethyl propionate; 2-phenylethyl isobutyrate; 2-phenyl ethyl isovalerate; 1 - phenylethyl acetate; alpha-trichloromethyl benzyl acetate; alpha, alphadimethylphenyl ethyl acetate; alpha, alpha-dimethylphenyl ethyl butyrate; cinnamyl acetate; 2-phenoxyethyl isobutyrate; 4-methoxybenzyl acetate; of araliphatic ethers such as. 2-phenylethyl methyl ether; 2-phenylethyl isoamyl ether; 2-phenylethyl 1 -ethoxyethyl ether; phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal; phenylacetaldehyde diethyl acetal; hydratropaaldehyde dimethyl acetal; phenylacetaldehyde glycerol acetal; 2,4,6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1 ,3-dioxane; 4, 4a, 5,9b- tetra-hydroindeno[1 ,2-d]-m-dioxin; 4,4a,5,9b-tetrahydro-2,4-dimethylindeno[1 ,2-d]- m-dioxin; of aromatic and araliphatic aldehydes such as. e.g., benzaldehyde; phenylacetaldehyde; 3-phenylpropanal; hydratropaaldehyde; 4-methylbenzaldehyde;

4-methylphenylacetaldehyde; 3-(4-ethylphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal; 2-methyl-3-(4- isopropylphenyl)propanal; 2-methyl-3-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanal; 3-(4-tert. butyl- phenyl)propanal; cinnamaldehyde; alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde; alpha- hexylcinnamaldehyde; 3-methyl-5-phenylpentanal; 4-methoxybenzaldehyde; 4- hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde; 4-hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde; 3,4- methylenedioxybenzaldehyde; 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde; 2-methyl-3-(4- methoxyphenyl)propanal; 2-methyl-3-(4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propanal; of aromatic and araliphatic ketones such as acetophenone; 4-methylacetophenone; 4- methoxyacetophenone; 4-tert.- butyl-2,6-dimethylaceto-phenone; 4-phenyl-2- butanone; 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone; 1 -(2-naphtha-lenyl)ethanone;2- benzofuranylethanone;(3-methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone; benzophenone; 1 , 1 ,2,3,6-hexamethyl-5-indanyl methyl ketone; 6-tert. butyl-1 , 1 -di-methyl-4-indanyl methyl ketone; 1 -[2,3-dihydro- 1 , 1 , 2, 6-tetramethyl-3-(1 -methylethyl) -1 H-5- indenyl]ethanone; 5',6',7',8'-tetrahydro-3',5',5',6',8',8'-hexamethyl-2-aceto- naphthone; of aromatic and araliphatic carboxylic acids and their esters, e.g. Benzoic acid; phenylacetic acid; methyl benzoate; ethyl benzoate; hexyl benzoate; benzyl benzoate; methyl phenyl acetate; ethyl phenyl acetate; geranyl phenyl acetate; phenyl ethyl phenyl acetate; methyl cinnamate; ethyl cinnamate; benzyl cinnamate; phenyl ethyl cinnamate; cinnamyl cinnamate; allyl phenoxy acetate; methyl salicylate; hexyl salicylate; cyclohexyl salicylate; cis-3-hexenyl salicylate; benzyl salicylate; phenyl ethyl salicylate; methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate; ethyl 3-phenyl glycidate; ethyl

3-methyl-3-phenyl glycidate; of heterocyclic compounds such as 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-2H-furan-3-one ; 2-ethyl-

4-hyd roxy-5-methyl-2H-f u ran-3-or| ; 3-hyd roxy-2-m ethyl-4H-pyran-4-one ; 2- ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one; of lactones such as. 1 ,4-octanolide; 3-methyl-1 ,4-octanolide; 1 ,4-nonanolide; 1 ,4- decanolide; 8-decen-1 ,4-olide; 1 ,4-undecanolide; 1 ,4-dodecanolide; 1 ,5-decanolide; 1 ,5-dodecanolide;4-methyl-1 ,4-decanolide; 1 , 15-pentadecanolide; 1 , 16-hexadeca- nolide; 9-hexadecene-1 ,16-olide; 10-oxa-1 ,16-hexadecanolide; 1 1 -oxa-1 ,16-hexa- decanolide; 12-oxa-1 ,16-hexadecanolide; ethylene-1 ,12-dodecanedioate; ethylene-1 ,13-tridecanedioate; 2,3-dihydrocoumarin; octahydrocoumarin.

[0038] Preferably, the fragrance composition according to the invention

(a) is a mixture to reduce an odor or

(b) is a mixture in which individual components, in use, develop an unpleasant odor which is reduced by the presence of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, or (c) is a mixture in which one, two or more of the fragrances different from Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate have an unpleasant odor which is reduced by the presence of Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate.

[0039] Preferably, said odor is an unpleasant odor selected from the group consisting of sweat, in particular human sweat, toilet odor, human faecal or urine odor, odors from faecal or urine from animals, kitchen odors, in particular odors of old fat, old fish or butyric acid, and smoke odor, in particular of cold smoke odor. However, other unpleasant odors can also be contained in such a mixture or develop during use.

[0040] Accordingly, a composition according to the invention according to the first alternative (a) is a mixture for reducing an odor, in particular an unpleasant odor.

[0041] This means that, in addition to Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and the one or more fragrances, such a mixture preferably does not (yet) contain any substance which has an unpleasant odor. Such a mixture according to alternative (a) then serves to reduce a, preferably unpleasant, odor as defined above when brought into contact with a substance having a specific (unpleasant) odor or when scenting or perfuming an object or product.

[0042] According to alternative (b), a mixture according to the invention is specified which already comprises individual components which, when used, develop an unpleasant odor. The purpose of the mixture according to the invention is to use Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate contained in such a mixture to reduce this developing unpleasant odor.

[0043] Alternative (c) makes it clear that a composition according to the invention, which comprises one or more fragrances as described above, according to a preferred embodiment, is a mixture in which one, two or more of the fragrances contained in group (ii) already have an unpleasant odor; such an unpleasant odor is reduced by Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention.

[0044] Preferably, the ratio of the total amount of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to the total amount of fragrances based on weight is in the range from 10: 1 to 1 : 50, preferably in the range from 5: 1 to 1 : 30, particularly preferably in the range from 2: 1 to 1 :20, particularly preferably in the range from 3:2 to 1 :10. Also for the purposes of this calculation, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is not considered as a fragrance. [0045] Preferably, the fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate are selected from the group consisting of:

Alpha-hexyl cinnamon aldehyde, 2-phenoxyethylisobutyrate, dihydromyrcenol, methyl-dihydrojasmonate, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, -hexa methyl- 1,3, 4, 6,7,8- hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran, tetrahydrolinalool, benzyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-(4- tert.-butyl-phenyl)propanal, cinnamon alcohol, 1 -phenyl acetate, octahydro-2, 3,8,8, - tetramethyl-2-acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl-acetate, 2-tert.-butylcyclohexylacetate, alphaionone, terpinyl acetate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarboxyaldehyde, alpha-amylcinnamon aldehyde, 15-pentadec-11 -enolide, 15-pentadec-12-enolide, 15- cyclopentadecanolide, cyclohexadecanon, 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8- hexamethyl-2-naphthlenyl)ethanone, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-caclopenten-1 -yl)- 2-buten-1 -ol, menthol, eucalyptol, anethol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-diemthyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-propanol, rose oxide, allylheptanoate, 4- methylacetophenone, timberol, benzyl acetone, methylcinnamate, 3a,6,6,9btetramethyldodecahydronaphthol[2,1 -b]furane, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan- l -ol, 2-phenylethanol, linalool.alpha-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, 2-phenoxyethyl isobutyrate (phenirate), di hydro myrcenol (2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol), methyl dihydrojasmonate (preferably containing > 60% w/w cis isomer (Hedione, Hedione HC) ), 4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclopenta[g]ben zopyran (galaxolide), tetrahydrolinalool (3,7-dimethyloctan-3-ol), Ethyl Linalool, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Salicylate, 2-Methyl-3-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)propanal (Lilial), Cinnamyl Alcohol, 4,7- Methano-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5- indenyl acetate and/or 4,7-methano- 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-6-indenyl acetate (Herbaflorat), styrolyl acetate (1 -phenylethyl acetate), octahydro-2, 3, 8, 8-tetramethyl- 2-acetonaphthone and/or 2-acetyl- 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethylnaphtha!ene (Iso E Super), hexyl salicylate, 4-tert- butylcyclohexyl acetate ( Oryclon), 2-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate (Agrumex HC), alpha-ionone (4-(2,2,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1 -yl)-3-buten-2-one), coumarin, terpinyl acetate , 4-(4-Hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde (Lyral) , alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde, (E)- and/or (Z)-3-methylcyclopentadec-5-enone (muscenone), 15-pentadec-11 -enolide and/or 15-pentadec-12-enolide (Globalide), 15- Cyclopentadecanolide (Macrolide), Cyclohexadecanone (Isomuscone), 1 -(5,6,7,8- Tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone (Tonalide), 2-lsobutyl- 4- methyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-ol (Florol), 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1 - yl)-2-buten-1 -ol (Sandolen), Menthol (preferably l-menthol or racemic menthol, particularly preferably l-menthol), eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), anethole, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)- Propanol (Majantol), Rose Oxide (4-Methyl-2-(2-methyl-1 -propenyl)tetrahydropyran), Allyl Heptanoate, 4- Methylacetophenone, Timberol (1 -(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol) , Floropal (2,4,6-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane), Benzylacetone, Methylcinnamate, 3a, 6, 6,9a- Tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1 -b]furan (Ambroxide), 2-Methyl -5- phenylpentan-1 -ol (Rosaphen), 2-phenylethanol, linaloo I.

[0046] For the compositions according to the invention comprising one or more of the preferred fragrances listed above, in particular in such cosmetic, body care, household and cleaning products, but in particular in such perfume oils according to the invention, the above statements on preferred weight ratios apply accordingly.

[0047] In the compositions according to the invention as described above or below, the total amount of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is preferably in the range from 0.01 to 10% by weight, preferably in the range from 0.025 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably in the range from 0.05 to 2% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the composition.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment of a composition according to the invention, the composition also comprises one, two, three or more auxiliaries called "application aids", selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate and benzyl benzoate.

[0049] Accordingly, compositions according to the invention, in particular perfume oils or other preferred compositions, comprise one, two, three or more application aids, preferably selected from the group of application aids described above, to achieve further improved effectiveness of the compounds of the formula (I) to be used according to the invention.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the fragrance composition comprises (a) one or more fragrances selected from the group consisting of:

Alpha-hexyl cinnamon aldehyde, 2-phenoxyethylisobutyrate, dihydromyrcenol, methyl-dihydrojasmonate, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, -hexa methyl- 1,3, 4, 6,7,8- hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran, tetrahydrolinalool, benzyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-(4- tert.-butyl-phenyl)propanal, cinnamon alcohol, 1 -phenyl acetate, octahydro-2, 3,8,8, - tetramethyl-2-acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl-acetate, 2-tert.-butylcyclohexylacetate, alphaionone, terpinyl acetate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarboxyaldehyde, alpha-amylcinnamon aldehyde, 15-pentadec-11 -enolide, 15-pentadec-12-enolide, 15- cyclopentadecanolide, cyclohexadecanon, 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8- hexamethyl-2-naphthlenyl)ethanone, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-caclopenten-1 -yl)- 2-buten-1 -ol, menthol, eucalyptol, anethol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-diemthyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-propanol, rose oxide, allylheptanoate, 4- methylacetophenone, timberol, benzyl acetone, methylcinnamate, 3a,6,6,9btetramethyldodecahydronaphthol[2,1 -b]furane, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan- 1 -ol, 2-phenylethanol, linalool and one or more application aids selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate and benzyl benzoate; or

(b) two or more fragrances selected from the group consisting of:

Alpha-hexyl cinnamon aldehyde, 2-phenoxyethylisobutyrate, dihydromyrcenol, methyl-dihydrojasmonate, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, -hexa methyl- 1,3, 4, 6,7,8- hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran, tetrahydrolinalool, benzyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-(4- tert.-butyl-phenyl)propanal, cinnamon alcohol, 1 -phenyl acetate, octahydro-2, 3,8,8, - tetramethyl-2-acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl-acetate, 2-tert.-butylcyclohexylacetate, alphaionone, terpinyl acetate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarboxyaldehyde, alpha-amylcinnamon aldehyde, 15-pentadec-11 -enolide, 15-pentadec-12-enolide, 15- cyclopentadecanolide, cyclohexadecanon, 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8- hexamethyl-2-naphthlenyl)ethanone, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-caclopenten-1 -yl)- 2-buten-1 -ol, menthol, eucalyptol, anethol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-diemthyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-propanol, rose oxide, allylheptanoate, 4- methylacetophenone, timberol, benzyl acetone, methylcinnamate, 3a,6,6,9btetramethyldodecahydronaphthol[2,1 -b]furane, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan- 1 -ol, 2-phenylethanol, linalool and / or two or more application aids selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate and benzyl benzoate.

[0051] Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention relates to a preparation comprising the fragrance composition described above. Preferably, the preparation is selected from the group consisting of cosmetic, body care, household and cleaning products. Further preferably, the preparation is selected from the group consisting of cleaning agents, air fresheners, textile hygiene products, body care products, hair care products, deodorants, antiperspirants and animal litter.

[0052] With the aid of a preparation according to the invention as described above, another product or object with an unpleasant odor can advantageously be perfumed or scented as desired, with the intensity of the unpleasant odor(s) being reduced and the unpleasant odor impressions (by humans) only being reduced or no longer be noticed.

[0053] To achieve this effect, i.e. to reduce the unpleasant odors, no excessively high amounts of fragrances are necessary, since the unpleasant odors (as described above) are primarily caused by the compound or substance contained in the preparation.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention is adsorbed on a carrier which ensures both fine distribution of the compound in the product or in the preparation and controlled release during use.

[0055] Such carriers can be porous inorganic materials such as silica gels, zeolites, gypsum, clays, clay granules, aerated concrete, etc., or organic materials such as wood and cellulose-based substances. [0056] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention or corresponding mixtures can also be present in microencapsulated, spray-dried form, as inclusion complexes or as extrusion products and in this form a product, in particular a product to be improved in terms of smell by reducing an unpleasant odor or to be perfumed product to be added.

[0057] If necessary, the properties of such modified Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention can be further optimized by so-called "coating" with suitable materials with a view to a more targeted release.

[0058] Microencapsulation of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention can be carried out, for example, by the so-called coacervation process using capsule materials, e.g. made of polyurethane-like materials or soft gelatine.

[0059] Spray-dried Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate can be prepared, for example, by spraydrying a substance to be used according to the invention, i.e. an emulsion or dispersion is prepared, modified starches, proteins, dextrin and / or vegetable gums can be used as a carrier.

[0060] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention or corresponding mixtures can be used in many preparations or products, they are preferably combined with one or more of the following auxiliaries or active ingredients: preservatives, abrasives, anti-acne agents, anti-aging agents, antibacterial agents, anti-cellulite agents, anti-dandruff agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-irritants, anti-irritants Agents, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, astringents, antiperspirants, antiseptics, antistatic agents, binders, buffers, carrier materials, chelating agents, cell stimulants, cleansing agents, conditioning agents, depilatory agents, surfactants, deodorants, antiperspirants, emollients, emulsifiers, enzymes, essential Oils, fibers, fixatives, foaming agents, foam stabilizers, anti-foaming substances, foam boosters, fungicides, gelling agents, gelling agents, hair care preparations, hair shaping preparations, hair straightening preparations, moisturizing preparations, moisturizing substances zen, moisturizing substances, bleaching agents, (textile) strengthening agents, stainremoving agents, optical brightening agents, impregnating agents, dirt-repellent agents, friction-reducing agents, lubricants, moisturizing creams, ointments, opacifying agents, plasticizing agents, opaque agents, polish, gloss agents, polymers , powder, proteins, moisturizing agents, abrasive agents, silicones, skin-soothing agents, skin- cleansing agents, skin-care agents, skin-healing agents, skin-lightening agents, skinprotecting agents, skin-softening agents, cooling agents, skin-cooling agents, warming agents, skin-warming agents, stabilizers, UV-absorbing agents Agents, UV filters, detergents, fabric softeners, suspending agents, skin tanning agents, thickeners, vitamins, oils, waxes, fats, phospholipids, saturated fatty acids, mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids, a-hydroxy acids, polyhydroxy fatty acids, liquefiers, dyes, color-protecting agents, pigments te, anti-corrosives, aromas, flavors, fragrances, polyols, surfactants, electrolytes, organic solvents or silicone derivatives.

[0061] Preferred products or preparations are perfume extras, eau de parfums, eau de toilettes, aftershaves, eau de colognes, pre-shave products, splash colognes and perfumed refreshing wipes and acidic, alkaline and neutral cleaning agents that are or are to be perfumed, such as e.g.

[0062] Floor cleaners, window glass cleaners, dishwashing detergents, bathroom and sanitary cleaners, scouring milk, solid and liquid toilet cleaners, toilet sticks, toilet blocks (liquid or solid), powdered and foamed carpet cleaners, liquid detergents, powdered detergents, laundry pretreatment agents such as bleach , soaking agents and stain removers, fabric softeners, laundry soap, washing tablets, disinfectants, surface disinfectants and air fresheners in liquid, gel-like or applied to a solid form, especially for deodorizing exhaust air from air conditioning systems and industrial processes, and air fresheners in the form of aerosol or pump sprays, waxes and polishes such as furniture polishes, floor waxes, shoe polishes, strengthening, impregnating or deodorizing textile treatment agents, diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, plasters, and personal care products such as solid and liquid soaps, shower gels, shampoos, shaving soap, shaving foams, bath oils, wet wipes, cosmetic emulsions of oil-in-water, water-in-oil and water-in-oil-in-water type such as e.g. skin creams and lotions, face creams and lotions, sunscreen creams and lotions, after-sun creams and lotions, hand creams and lotions, foot creams and lotions, depilatory creams and lotions, after-shave creams and lotions, Tanning creams and lotions, hair care products such as hair sprays, hair gels, setting hair lotions, hair conditioners, permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes, hair shaping agents such as cold waves and hair straighteners, hair lotions, hair creams and lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants such as armpit sprays, roll-ons, deodorant sticks, deodorant creams, decorative cosmetics products such as eye shadow, make-up, lipstick, mascara and candles, lamp oils, incense sticks, animal litter, cat litter, insecticides, repellents, liquid and gaseous fuels, heating oils and heating gases.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, a preparation according to the invention or an article of daily use as described above contains one or more surface-active substances, preferably one or more surfactants and/or one or more emulsifiers.

[0064] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention can be more easily incorporated into the indicated preparations or articles of daily use by means of surface-active substances.

[0065] In addition, the release and effectiveness of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is improved by surface-active substances.

[0066] As already mentioned, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention is preferably used in cosmetic, body care, household and cleaning products. [0067] A preparation according to the invention selected from the group consisting of cleaning agents, air fresheners, textile hygiene products, body care products, hair care products, deodorants, antiperspirants and animal litter is particularly preferred.

[0068] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing odors, comprising or consisting of the following steps: mixing Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate with one or more, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate

(a) for reducing an odor or

(b) for reducing an unpleasant odor which individual components, in use, develop, wherein the unpleasant odor is reduced by the presence of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, or

(c) for reducing an unpleasant odor of one, two or more of the fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, wherein the unpleasant odor is reduced by the presence of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate. [0069] Accordingly, what was said above to the alternatives (a) to (c) also applies to the method of the present invention. Thus, according to the first alternative (a), there is described a mixture for reducing an odor, in particular an unpleasant odor.

[0070] This means that, in addition to Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and the one or more fragrances, such a mixture preferably does not (yet) contain any substance which has an unpleasant odor. Such a mixture according to alternative (a) then serves to reduce a, preferably unpleasant, odor as defined above when brought into contact with a substance having a specific (unpleasant) odor or when scenting or perfuming an object or product.

[0071] According to alternative (b), a mixture according to the invention is specified which already comprises individual components which, when used, develop an unpleasant odor. The purpose of the mixture according to the invention is to use Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate contained in such a mixture to reduce this developing unpleasant odor.

[0072] Alternative (c) makes it clear that the method according to the invention also comprises reducing an unpleasant odor within a composition, which comprises one or more fragrances as described above, according to a preferred embodiment, is a mixture in which one, two or more of the fragrances contained in group (ii) already have an unpleasant odor; such an unpleasant odor is reduced by Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention.

[0073] Preferably, the ratio of the total amount of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to the total amount of fragrances based on weight is in the range from 10: 1 to 1 : 50, preferably in the range from 5: 1 to 1 : 30, particularly preferably in the range from 2: 1 to 1 :20, particularly preferably in the range from 3:2 to 1 :10. Also for the purposes of this calculation, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is not considered as a fragrance.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the fragrances different from Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate is selected from the group consisting of: Alpha-hexyl cinnamon aldehyde, 2-phenoxyethylisobutyrate, dihydromyrcenol, methyl-dihydrojasmonate, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, -hexa methyl- 1,3, 4, 6,7,8- hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran, tetrahydrolinalool, benzyl acetate, 2-methyl-3-(4- tert.-butyl-phenyl)propanal, cinnamon alcohol, 1 -phenyl acetate, octahydro-2, 3,8,8, - tetramethyl-2-acetophenone, 2-acetyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene, 4-tert.-butylcyclohexyl-acetate, 2-tert.-butylcyclohexylacetate, alphaionone, terpinyl acetate, 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexencarboxyaldehyde, alpha-amylcinnamon aldehyde, 15-pentadec-11 -enolide, 15-pentadec-12-enolide, 15- cyclopentadecanolide, cyclohexadecanon, 1 -(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8- hexamethyl-2-naphthlenyl)ethanone, 2-ethyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-caclopenten-1 -yl)- 2-buten-1 -ol, menthol, eucalyptol, anethol, geraniol, nerol, citronellol, linalyl acetate, 2,2-diemthyl-3-(3-methylphenyl)-propanol, rose oxide, allylheptanoate, 4- methylacetophenone, timberol, benzyl acetone, methylcinnamate, 3a,6,6,9btetramethyldodecahydronaphthol[2,1 -b]furane, 2-methyl-5-phenyl-pentan- 1 -ol, 2-phenylethanol, linalool.

[0075] Further preferred embodiments listed above also apply to method of the present invention.

[0076] In the present context, preferably a method is relevant with which it can be assessed whether a particular substance is a suitable substance for a specific masking task, i.e. whether by use of this substance an (unpleasant) odor in the context of the present invention can be reduced.

[0077] Typically, a sample of a (fragrance) substance or mixture (odoriferous), which is to be checked for its ability to reduce an unpleasant odor, is evaporated with an unpleasant-smelling mixture in a defined airspace and the resulting odor is determined by an expert panel. Accordingly, the development or finding and checking of an unpleasant odor reducing substance or a corresponding mixture is very expensive at the moment.

[0078] Therefore, according to our own investigations, a method is used to test the suitability of a test substance (N) comprising Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate for checking the reduction of an unpleasant odor, comprising the following steps: a) preparing or providing a malodor standard mixture (S) comprising or consisting of a substance having an unpleasant odor (M), i.e. a substance or a mixture, b) producing or providing a test mixture (T) also comprising the substance having an unpleasant odor (M) and the test substance (N), and c) comparison of malodor impressions of malodor standard mixture (S) and test mixture (T). [0079] Preferably, the test substance (N) and / or the test mixture (T) is a preparation according to the invention (as described above). Furthermore, it is therefore also preferred if the test substance (N) or the test mixture (T) in addition to Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate also comprises one or more fragrances. For the number and selection of the fragrances to be used, the statements made above apply accordingly. In the context of the method according to the invention, however, it is preferred if the test substance (N) itself contains no unpleasant-smelling (olfactory) substances.

[0080] Preferably, the test method is carried out at a temperature of 20 ° C and a pressure of 1013 mbar. Accordingly, a method as described above is particularly preferred, wherein the comparison according to step c) is carried out at a temperature of 20 ° C and a pressure of 1013 mbar. Optionally, the steps a) or b) can be carried out under the reaction conditions mentioned.

[0081] As already mentioned, the test substance (N) to be used according to the invention preferably also contains one or more fragrances, and more preferably optionally further auxiliaries or active substances (in particular those as described above). In this way, more complex (olfactory) substance mixtures such as chords of fragrances and essential oils or perfume oils can be checked for their suitability for neutralizing or reducing odors, in particular unpleasant odors. For the unpleasant odors used in the context of a method according to the invention, the comments made above apply accordingly.

[0082] Preferably, in the practice of the described (test) method of the invention, a defined amount of an offensive smelling mixture, i. a substance (M) is used. That is, preferably, the test method is performed so that the concentrations of the substance (M) in the malodor standard mixture (S) and the test mixture (T) are the same. This allows a particularly good comparison of the two mixtures.

[0083] Preferably, such a method is carried out in vessels of the same size, in each case a test mixture (T) comprising a substance (M) and a test substance (N) in comparison to other test mixtures and / or compared to the malodor standard mixture (S) in terms of their suitability for reducing an unpleasant odor (the substance (M)) is tested.

[0084] The malodor impression of the malodor standard mixture (S) and the test mixture (T) and preferably also the perfume or fragrance intensity of these mixtures is preferably evaluated in each case by 8 or more examiners (experts) by smelling in comparison to each other. The malodor standard mixture (S) is assigned the intensity 6 in the most cases. The examiners are chosen for their ability to reproducibly evaluate the strengths of odors. The examiners are trained before the test series on the recognition of unpleasant odors and the reduction of unpleasant odors. [0085] Further details or features of such a method according to the invention will become apparent from the following examples.

EXAMPLES

[0084] Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are given by weight.

[0085] As already described above, Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention has only a very slight inherent odor. Consequently, Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate can be used in any fragrance directions.

[0086] The respective odor or odor impression was evaluated in the context of the present test method on an intensity scale from 1 = "odorless" to 9 = "very strong". In the tables below, the respective arithmetic means are given from the individual scores.

[0087] Example 1: Characteristics of ethyl 4-oxopentanoate

[0088] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate can be produced from 4-Oxopentanoic acid/Levulinic acid by one of the procedures known in the literature.

1 H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) S 4.13 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.75 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.57 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3H).

13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCI3) S 206.72, 172.77, 60.64, 37.97, 29.90, 28.03, 14.18

Odor: odorless

[0089] Example 2

[0090] Example 2.1 : Selection and training of examiners

[0091] A. Selection criterion 1 : The examiners must be able to distinguish between the different bad smells from an odorless solvent (dipropylene glycol = DPG). A bad smell in the context of the present text is an unpleasant odor in the sense of the definition mentioned above.

[0092] For Test "A", multiple smelling strips (thin cardboard strips of an odorless paper) are dipped into a mixture comprising one or more malodors, i.e. comprising one or more substances, which cause an unpleasant odor impression (in humans). In addition, several smelling strips are dipped in DPG (odorless). Only those examiners who can correctly differentiate the smelling strips in a test "Bad smell - bad smell - DPG and DPG - DPG - bad smell" will take part in further tests. This tests whether the examiner can smell the bad smell at all. This was done with all the bad smells/unpleasant smells mentioned in this text.

[0093] The examiners were not tested for their ability to perceive the neutralizing substances. These are almost odorless and difficult to distinguish from the usual solvents in perfumery such as DPG, Abalyn DE or triethyl citrate. Examiners who can not detect these substances will not perceive any odor reduction.

[0094] B. Selection Criterion 2: Examiners must be able to distinguish between different intensities or concentrations of bad smells or the corresponding substances mediating these odor impressions. For this purpose, samples of different concentrations of the respective bad smells are placed in a defined airspace. These samples are different malodor standard mixtures (S), which each contain a different concentration of a substance (M) with an unpleasant odor. Accordingly, these mixtures have different intensities of the respective bad smell and thus different intensive malodorous impressions. These samples are sorted by the examiner according to intensity (odor strength). The sequence of concentrations must be properly recognized and evaluated by the examiners. Examiners who have passed both tests (A, B) can take part in the raw material tests described below.

[0095] Unless stated otherwise, the tests listed below were performed in 500 ml amber glass wide mouth bottles. The bad odor models, i.e. the substances with unpleasant odor, were each applied to a different location on a filter paper or on a different filter paper than the substance to be tested (N) (e.g. Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate). Thus, a chemical interaction of the substances was excluded in the present test procedure. That is, a test mixture (T) to be used in the present invention preferably comprises a substance (M) having an unpleasant odor and a test substance (N) in a sample container (e.g., a glass), but (M) and (N) are preferably not mixed with each other, but (as described above) coexist. All samples are scored on a scale from 1 = "odorless" to 9 = "very strong". A sample (unperfumed and marked as such) with only bad odor (ie a malodor standard mixture) serves as a reference for the examiners. In the context of the present text, a "non-perfumed sample" is a mixture comprising a substance (M) with an unpleasant odor, but not Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention or a corresponding mixture. This sample is defined to a value that may vary depending on the type of bad smell, but is usually at "6". All samples are preferably presented encoded. As a rule, at least one of the coded samples is empty (filter paper only) or provided with unperfumed bad smell (reference, as described above). This will further control the examiners and the results achieved.

[0096] Example 2.2: Test against sweat odor

[0097] From a simulated sweat solution (substance (M) with unpleasant odor) consisting of various short organic acids, aldehydes and an odorless solvent, 1 pl was placed on a filter paper. Each 1 pl of different substances to be tested (N) was also applied to such a filter paper in each case and placed in the glass together with the sweat sample, ie the imitated sweat solution. Each sample was allowed to rest for 15 hours. 8-12 examiners evaluated the samples for perfume / fragrance and sweat intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings.

Table 1 : Sweat test [0098] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention reduces the unpleasant odor of sweat by 82 % with only low to medium perfume intensity, i.e. with low or barely perceptible inherent odor.

[0099] Example 2.3: Test against toilet odor

[00100] From a solution (substance (M) having an unpleasant odor) whose odor was mimicked to the smell of a newly-used toilet consisting of skatole, short organic acids, thionaphthol and an odorless solvent, 1 pl each was placed on a filter paper. 1 pl each of various substances to be tested (N) was also applied to filter paper and placed in a glass together with the toilet odor sample. The samples were allowed to rest for 15 h. 8-12 examiners rated the samples for perfume / fragrance and toilet odor intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings.

Table 2: Toilet test

[00101] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention reduces the unpleasant toilet odor by 72 %.

[00102] Example 2.4 : Test against kitchen odor [00103] From a solution (Substance (M) with an unpleasant odor) whose odor was mimicked by the smell of a commonly used kitchen consisting of fats, various bratwomen and an odorless solvent, 1 pl each was placed on a filter paper. 1 pl each of different substances to be tested (N) was also applied to filter paper and placed in a glass together with the odor sample. The samples were allowed to rest for 15 h. 8-12 examiners evaluated the samples for perfume / fragrance and kitchen odor intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings.

Table 3: Kitchen test

[00104] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention reduces the unpleasant kitchen odor by 42 %.

[00105] Example 2.5 : Test against smoke odor

[00106] Several cosmetic cotton pads were hung on a rack. The frame was covered with a beaker. Half a cigarette was smoked under the upturned, bottom-ventilated beaker. The cotton pads took on the smoke smell strongly. Each of the cotton pads was placed in a beaker. 1 pl each of different substances to be tested (N) was applied to filter paper and added to the glass together with the smoke odor sample. The sample was allowed to rest for 15 h. 8-12 examiners evaluated the samples for perfume I fragrance and smoke odor intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings. Table 4: Smoke test

[00107] Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate to be used according to the invention reduces the unpleasant smoke smell by 27.2 %. [00108] Example 3: Use in combination with fragrances

[00109] The (olfactory) substances or compounds listed in the following tables were mixed together in the ratios indicated to form corresponding mixtures (Al , A2, B1 , B2)

Table 5: Blend of scent type „ Lavender"

A1 A2 NAME

Wt .-% Wt .-%

FLORAZONE (4-ethyl-alpha, alpha-dimethyl-ethyl-phenyl-propanal) 3 3

Cyclogalbanate ® ((cyclohexyloxy) acetic acid 2-propenyl ester) 1 1

DIHYDROMYRCENOL (2, 6-dimethyl-7-octene-2-ol) 33 33

EUCALYPTOL (1,3, 3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane) 10 10

TERPENENOL-4 (4-methyl-1 - (1 -methylethyl) -3-cyclohexene-1 -ol) 1 1

ISOBORNYL ACETATE (1,7, 7-trimethyl- 3 3 bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-ol acetate)

CANTRYL ® (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1 -acetonitrile) 6 6 A1 A2 NAME Wt .-% Wt .-%

CYCLOH EXYLMAGNOL (alpha-methylcyclohexanepropanol) 4 4

COUMARONE (1 - (2-benzofuranyl) ethanone) 4 4

MADRANOL ® (alpha-ethyl-2,2,6-trimethyl- (Z) -cyclohexanpropanol) 6 6

TRIETHYL CITRATE 29

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate --- 29

B1 B2 NAME Wt

Wt .-% %

FARENAL ® (2,6,10-trimethyl-9-undecenal) 4.1 4.1

Vertacetal COEUR ® (2,4,6-trimethyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxane) 2.1 2.1

CITROWANIL ® B (alpha-ethenyl-alpha-methyl- 2.1 2.1 phenylpropanenitrile)

HYDROCITRONITRILE (beta-methyl-phenylpentanenitrile) 5.4 5.4

EUCALYPTOL (1,3, 3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane) 0.6 0.6

MANDARIL (3,12-tridecadienitrile) 1.3 1.3

CANTRYL ® (2,2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1 -acetonitrile) 1.1 1.1

CYCLOANANATE (2-cyclopentene-1 -acetic acid 2-ethylbutyl ester) 2.7 2.7

PYROPRUNATE (2-butenoic acid (1,1 '-bicyclopentyl) -2-yl ester) 1.1 1.1

CYCLOH EXYLMAGNOL (alpha-methylcyclohexanepropanol) 31 31 B1

B2

NAME Wt .-

Wt .-% %

CHRYSANTHEMES (2,2-Dimethyl-1 - (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1 -

7.5 7.5 yl) -1 -propanone)

ROSAPHEN (beta-methyl-phenylpentanol) 5.9 5.9 benzyl 13.2 13.2

PALISANDAL (1,1 -dimethoxycyclododecane) 4.5 4.5

ISOMUSCONE (cyclohexadecanone) 0.5 0.5

TRIETHYL CITRATE 16.9

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 16.9

[00111] The mixtures A1, A2, B1 and B2 were also tested in 500 ml wide mouth bottles made of brown glass. The malodor models were each applied to a different location on a filter paper or on a different filter paper than the substance to be tested (as described above) in order to exclude a chemical interaction of the substances with each other. All samples are scored on a scale from 1 = "odorless" to 9 = "very strong". A sample (unperfumed and marked as such) with only bad odor (Malodor Standard Mixture (S)) serves as a reference for the examiners. This sample is defined to a value that may vary depending on the type of bad smell, but is usually at "6". All samples are preferably presented encoded. As a rule, at least one of the coded samples is empty (filter paper only) or provided with unperfumed bad smell (reference). Since complex perfume oils and blends usually have a stronger effect against unpleasant odors than individual chemicals, the blends are preferably tested in a less amount than the individual chemicals. [00112] Example 3.1 : Test of the mixtures A1 to B2 (A1, A2, B1, B2) against butyric acid odor

[00113] 0.5 pl each of the mixtures A1 to B2 were applied to filter paper and placed in a glass. The sample was allowed to rest for 15 h. From a solution consisting of butyric acid and an odorless solvent, 400 pl were pipetted onto a cotton pad and added to the glass approximately 10 minutes before the evaluation. 8-12 examiners evaluated the samples for odor and butyric acid intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings.

Table 6: Mixtures against butyric acid odor

NAME Perfume intensity Butyric odor intensity

Mixture A1 4.9 2.9

Mixture A2 5.8 1.8

Mixture B1 4.7 2.9

Mixture B2 5.1 1.9

Butyric acid odor-Reference 1 6

[00114] Surprisingly, the mixture of the perfume oils A2 and B2 according to the invention leads to a particularly strong reduction of the (unpleasant) butyric acid odor.

[00115] Example 3.2 : Test of the mixtures A1 to B2 against sweat odor

[00116] From a simulated sweat solution (see Example 2.2) consisting of various short organic acids, aldehydes and an odorless solvent, 1 pl each was placed on a filter paper. 0.5 pl each of mixtures A1 to B2 were also applied to filter papers and placed in a glass together with the sweat sample. The samples were allowed to rest for 15 h. 8-12 examiners assessed the samples for fragrance and sweat intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings. Table 7: Mixtures against sweat odor

NAME Perfume intensity Sweat odor intensity

Mixture A1 6.2 3.1

Mixture A2 6.2 2.5

Mixture B1 5.2 2.0

Mixture B2 6.5 1.3

Sweat odor-Reference 1 6

[00117] Surprisingly, the addition of the perfume oils A2 and B2 according to the invention leads to a greater reduction in the unpleasant odor of sweat than that of the perfume oils A1 and B1.

[00118] Example 3.3 : Test of the mixtures A1 to B2 against smoke smell

[00119] Several cosmetic cotton pads were hung on a rack. The frame was covered with a beaker. Half a cigarette was smoked under the upturned, bottom-ventilated beaker. The cotton pads strongly absorbed the smoke smell (see example 2.5). Each of the cotton pads was placed in a beaker. 0.5 pl each of the mixtures A1 to B2 were applied to filter papers and each together with a smoke odor sample in the glass. The samples were allowed to rest for 15 h. 8-12 examiners evaluated the samples for odor and smoke odor intensity (malodorous impression). Indicated are the mean values from the individual ratings. Table 8: Mixtures against smoke odor

NAME Perfume intensity Smoke odor intensity

Mixture A1 3.9 4.6

Mixture A2 4.6 2.9

Mixture B1 5.5 2.5

Mixture B2 6.1 1.8

Smoke odor-Reference 1 7

[00120] Surprisingly, the mixture of the perfume oil A2 or B2 according to the invention leads to a greater reduction of the unpleasant smoke odor than that of the perfume oil A1 or B1.

[00121] Example 4: Perfume oil with rose odor containing

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate

NAME Parts by weight

Acetophenone, 10% in DPG 10.00 n-undecanal 5.00

Aldehyde C14 so-called (peach aldehyde) 15.00

Allylamyl glycolate, 10% in DPG 20.00 amylsalicylate 25,00 benzyl 60,00

Citronellol 80,00 d-Limonene 50,00 NAME Parts by weight

Decenol trans-9 15.00 dihydromyrcenol 50,00 dimethyl benzyl 30.00 diphenyl 5.00 eucalyptol 10.00 geraniol 40,00 nerol 20.00 geranium 15.00

Hexenol cis-3, 10% in DPG 5.00

Hexenyl salicylate cis-3 20.00

Indole, 10% in DPG 10.00

Alpha-ionone 15.00

Beta-ionone 5.00

Lilial (2-methyl-3- (4-tert-butylphenyl) propanal) 60,00 linalool 40,00 methyl phenylacetate 10.00 phenylethyl 275.00

Styrolylacetat 20.00 terpineol 30.00 tetrahydrolinalool 50,00 cinnamic alcohol 10.00 NAME Parts by weight

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 200.00

Total: 1,200.00

[00122] Example 5: Perfume oil with white floral odor containing Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate

NAME Parts by weight benzyl 60,00 citronellyl 60,00

Cyclamenaldehyde (2-methyl-3- (4-isopropylphenyl) propanal 20.00 dipropylene 60,00 ethyl linalool 40,00

Florol (2-isobutyl-4-methyl tetrahydro-2 H -pyran-4-ol) 30.00

Globanone [(E / Z) -8-cyclohexadecen-1 -one] 180.00

Hedione (methyldihydrojasmonate) 140.00

Hexenyl salicylate, cis-3 10.00

Vertocitral (2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexenecarboxaldehyde) 5.00

Hydratropaldehyde, 10% in DPG 5.00

Isodamascon (1 - (2,4,4-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1 -yl) -2-buten-

5.00

1 -one), 10% in DPG

Isomuscone (cyclohexadecanone) 40,00

Jacinthaflor (2-methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane) 10.00 NAME Parts by weight

Cis-Jasmon, 10% in DPG 20.00 linalool 50,00

Linalylacetat 30.00

Methyl benzoate, 10% in DPG 25,00 para-methylcresol, 10% in DPG 10.00 nerol 20.00 phenylpropyl 5.00

2-phenylethyl 82,00 tetrahydrogeraniol 13,00

2, 2-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexyl-1 -propanol 80,00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 280.00

[00123] Example 6: Formulation and Application Examples in Finished Products

[00124] Example F1: Deodorant formulation in the form of a roll-on gel

NAME Wt .-%

1,3-butylene glycol 2.00

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 2.00 hydroxyethyl 0.50

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.20 NAME Wt .-% perfume oil 0.30

Preservative Phenoxyethanol 0.30 water ad 100.00

[00125] Example F2: cream

NAME Wt .-% paraffin oil 10.00 ozokerite 4.00 vaseline 4.00 vegetable oil 10.00

Wool alcohol 2.00 aluminum stearate 0.40

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.40 perfume oil 0.70

1,2-pentanediol 2.00 water ad 100.00

[00126] Example F3: O / W Lotion

NAME Wt .-% paraffin oil 5.00 isopropyl palmitate 5.00 NAME Wt .-% cetyl alcohol 2.00 beeswax 2.00

Ceteareth-20 2.00

PEG-20 glyceryl stearate 1.50 glycerin 3.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.30 perfume oil 0.80 parabens 0.30 water ad 100.00

[00127] Example F4: air freshener in gel form

NAME Wt .-% Wt .-%

Demineralized water Ad 100.00 Ad 100.00

Genugel X-6424 ® (Carrageenan) 2.00 2.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.20 0.30

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 0.60

Perfume oil from example 4 - 0.80

Arkopal N 100 ® or (emulsifier) Tergitol ® NP 10 (Emulsifier) 3.50 3.50

Preventol ® D 7 (Preservative) 5.00 5.00 [00128] Example F5: Air freshener in gel form

[00129] 5 g Accurel (porous homo-polypropylene powder with 75% void content, product of Akzo Nobel fiber AG, Obernburg, Germany) are loaded with 15 g of the perfume oil from Example 5 by mixing both components under vacuum. The resulting powder is then stirred at atmospheric pressure with 4.5 g of water (Mix 1). In a separate vessel, 2.5 g of carrageenan, 0.3 g of chloroacetamide and 0.5 g of calcium chloride dihydrate are dissolved in 62 g of water with heating at a maximum of 75 ° C. In this solution is introduced with stirring Mix 1 and homogenized. The resulting, preferably still warm mixture is poured into the desired shape (spheres, hemispheres, pillows, cylinders, cuboids, cubes, shells or the like). After cooling to about 20 ° C, an air freshener is obtained in gel form, the loading on Perfume oil from Example 5 is about 20 wt .-% based on the total weight of the air freshener.

[00130] Example F6: Foot cream

NAME Wt .-%

Soluan 5 2.00 methyl salicylate 2.00

Caprylic / Capric Triglycerides 10.00 stearic acid 5.00 cetyl alcohol 1.00 glycerin 2.00 dimethicone 1.00

Carbopol 984 0.50 triethanolamine 1.50

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.60 NAME Wt .-% perfume oil 0.90 preservatives q.s. (Latin: quantum satis) water ad 100.00

[00131] Example F7: Hairstylist

NAME Wt .-%

Polyvinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate / vinyl propionate copolymer 5.00 ethanol 45,00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.50

Perfume oil, preservatives 1.50 water ad 100.00

[00132] Example F8: Maintenance mask

NAME Wt .-%

PEG-50 lanolin 0.50 glyceryl stearate 2.00

Sunflower seed oil 3.00 bentonite 8.00 kaolin 35,00 zinc oxide 5.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.30 NAME Wt .-% perfume oil 0.30 preservatives q.s. water ad 100.00

[00133] Example F9: Skin oil

NAME Wt .-% cetyl palmitate 3.00

C 12-15 - alkyl benzoate 2.00 polyisobutene 10.00 squalane 2.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.15 perfume oil 0.30 preservatives q.s. paraffin oil ad 100.00 [00134] Example Fl 0: ointment

NAME Wt .-% vaseline 36,00 ceresin 10.00 zinc oxide 4.00 NAME Wt .-%

Vegetable oil 20.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.07 perfume oil 0.10 preservatives q.s. paraffin oil ad 100.00

[00136] Example F11 : Wet wipes

[00137] Preparation of a composition or mixture for reducing unpleasant odors in wet wipes:

Present components are mixed to form a composition or mixture: 30 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate; 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate and 15 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate. With the help of an emulsifier, a 0.05% aqueous solution is prepared from this composition, with which wet wipes are treated. The treated wipes smell much more neutral than untreated. This means that the typical unpleasan) smell of wet cardboard is no longer perceptible.

[00138] Example F12: Aerosol spray with effect against tobacco smoke odors on textiles

[00139] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

20 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate, 5 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate and 20 parts by weight of a perfume oil containing 48% by weight of fragrances. A water-based aerosol spray containing 1% by weight of this composition is sprayed on curtains adhering to a strong tobacco smoke odor. After spraying the curtains smell much more neutral, the unpleasant tarry smoke smell is no longer perceptible. Similar effects can be achieved when the odor-neutralizing composition is sprayed on other textiles such as garments and furniture upholstery.

[00140] Example Fl 3: Aerosol spray with effect against kitchen odors on textiles [00141] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

20 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 30 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate, 10 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate and 10 parts by weight of a perfume oil containing 55% by weight of fragrances. A water-based aerosol spray containing 1% by weight of this composition is sprayed on curtains or garments adhered to a strong kitchen smell of fried onions and hot frying fat. After spraying the curtains smell much more neutral, the unpleasant greasy, onion-like smell is no longer perceptible.

[00142] Example F14: Microcapsules having an effect against urine odor (e.g., in

[00143] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 10 parts by weight of isomenthyl acetate, 20 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 30 parts by weight of triethyl citrate and 15 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate. This composition is brought into a microencapsulated form (average particle size: 78 microns) with starch sodium octenylsuccinate (E 1450) and a sugar alcohol by spray drying so that the loading of the microcapsules on the composition indicated above is 50% by weight. The microcapsules are placed between two paper layers glued to the edge and incorporated into a paper diaper. On contact with moisture, the odor-neutralizing composition is released and significantly reduces the appearance of urine odor compared to untreated diapers.

[00144] Example F15: Neutralization of Odor from unperfumed Washing Powder

[00145] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture: 20 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate, 5 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate and 20 parts by weight of a perfume oil containing 35% by weight of fragrances. A 0.3 percent solution of this Composition is sprayed onto unperfumes washing powder. After spraying, the odor (of the washing powder) has become much more neutral, the greasy-rancid smell is no longer perceptible.

[00146] Example F16: Neutralization of toilet odor

[00147] Example F16.1: Artificial toilet odor

[00148] By assembling the following components, following the in U.S. Patent given example 13 prepares an artificial toilet odor:

NAME Parts by weight dipropylene 62.82 skatol 0.91 beta-thionaphthol 0.91 mercaptoacetic 21.18 caproic 6.00 p-Kresylphenylacetat 2.18

N-methylmorpholine 6.00

[00149] Example F16.2:

[00150] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

30 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate and 15 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate. In a toilet stick, 1 wt .-% of this composition and 4 wt .-% of a perfume oil composition are incorporated with a freshly koniferigen smell. For comparison, 5% by weight of the pure perfume oil composition are incorporated into another WC stick. For testing approximately 2.5 m ³ large olfactory chambers with the toilet odor according to Example F16.1 loaded. The toilet sticks are hung in the toilet bowls located in the smelling chambers. After activating the water rinse, the quality of the room air is evaluated by an expert panel after 30 minutes. The odorreducing composition containing toilet sticks led to a significantly odor-neutral impression, the smell of the perfume oil was clearer and cleaner. Similar effects can be achieved with the odor-reducing composition and perfume oils of a flowery or citrusfresh type.

[00151] Example F16.3:

[00152] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

30 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate and 15 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate. In stearate or carrageenan type room air improvers, 2.5% by weight of this composition and 7.5% by weight of a perfume oil composition having a fresh citrus odor are incorporated. For comparison, 10% by weight of the pure perfume oil composition is incorporated into another room air improver. For testing about 2.5 m ³ large olfactory chambers with an artificial toilet odor (according to Example Fl 6.1 ) are loaded. After setting up the room air improver, the quality of the room air is evaluated by an expert panel after 30 minutes. The room air improvers containing the odor-reducing composition led to a significantly more neutral odor impression, and the odor impression of the perfume oil was clearer and cleaner.

[00153] Example F17: Reducing the odor of an unscented laundry softener

[00154] A laundry softener base prepared from 70 parts by weight demineralized water, 0.25 parts concentrated hydrochloric acid, 1 part calcium chloride dihydrate, 0.5 parts polysorbate 20, 27 parts Varisoft 315 (Witco) was mixed with 1.25 parts by weight of a perfume oil ( containing 44 wt .-% of fragrances other than Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate). By adding 0.15 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate the odor of the finished product is much more neutral, the product smells altogether cleaner and fresher.

[00155] Example F18: Neutralization of cat urine (odor)

[00156] With mixing, 3000 parts by weight of cat litter (bentonite) are sprayed with 1 part by weight of a mixture consisting of 70 parts by weight of perfume oil containing 64% by weight of fragrances other than Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate and 30% by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate. For comparison, the same perfume oil without Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate is applied in the same amount. After the addition of cat urine, it appears that the cat litter treated only with perfume oil alleviated the unpleasant odor of cat urine inadequately, while the cat litter, which additionally contained the Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate, smelled relatively neutral and thus the odor nuisance due to the severe smell of cat urine was considerably reduced.

[00157] Example F19: underarm spray

[00158] The following components are mixed to form a composition or mixture:

30 parts by weight of dipropylene glycol, 25 parts by weight of Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate, 15 parts by weight of isopropyl myristate, 15 parts by weight of triethyl citrate, 10 parts by weight of benzyl benzoate and 5 parts by weight of l-menthyl acetate. From 0.6 parts by weight of this composition, 40 parts by weight of 80 percent. Alcohol, 1 part by weight of perfume oil (containing 37 wt.-% of fragrances other than Ethyl 4- oxopentanoate) and 55 wt .-% propellant (propane-butane mixture) a deodorant spray with moisturizing action is prepared. For comparison, a spray with the same composition is prepared, which contains no odor-reducing composition, but 1.2 parts by weight of perfume oil. When sprayed in the underarm area it was shown that the spray with the odor-neutralizing composition reduces unpleasant odor significantly better and the fragrance of the perfume oil is perceived much more better.

[00159] Example F20: hair conditioner with UV protection Component INCI name wt wt

% %

Renex PEG 6000 PEG-150 2.50 2.50

Cetyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride,

Hair Conditioner Base Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Bran Extract, Linoleic 3.00 3.00

Acid

PCL Solid Stearyl heptanoate, stearyl caprylate 0.50 0.50

Dow Corning 5200 Laurylmethicone copolyol 0.50 0.50

Natrosol 250 HR hydroxyethyl 0.50 0.50

Benzophenone-4 Benzophenone-4 1.00 0.50

Disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole

Neo Heliopan AP 1.00 0.80 tetrasulfonates

Amino methyl propanol Amino methyl propanol 2.00 1.20

Nipagin M methylparaben 0.30 0.30

Dow Corning 949 Amodimethicone, Cetrimonium Chloride,

2.00 2.00

Cationic Emulsion Trideceth-12

Perfume oil from

Perfume 0.80 example 4

Perfume oil B2 from

Perfume - 0.80 example 3

Ad Ad water Water (aqua)

100 100

[00160] Example F21 : Deodorant sticks NAME A B

Wt .-% Wt .-% sodium 8.00 8.00

PPG-3 myristyl ether 70,00 70,00

1,2-propylene glycol 10.00 10.00

1,1 -dimethyl-3-phenyl 0.20 0.25

2-butyl octanoic - 0.20

Perfume oil from example 5 0.55

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 - 0.65 water Ad 100 Ad 100

[00161] Example F22: Microemulsion gels

NAME Wt .-% Wt .-%

Glycerinisostearat 1.80 2.00 octoxyglycerol 1.00 0.80

Ceteareth-15 5.20 5.00

PEG-150 distearate 1.00 1.00 aluminum chlorohydrate 5.00 5.00 isotridecyl 3.30 3.50 cyclomethicone 6.60 6.40

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.15

Perfume oil from example 5 0.60 NAME Wt .-% Wt .-%

Perfume oil B2 from example 3 - 0.70 water Ad 100 Ad 100

[001 2] Example F23: Antiperspirant Formulations

NAME Wt .-% Wt .-%

Reach AZP-908 SUF 24.00 22.00

Cyclomethicone (pentamer) Ad 100 Ad 100

Polydecene (Silkflo 364 NF) 17.50 20.00

Neo Helipan OS (Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Symrise) 2.50 1.00

L-menthyl lactate (Frescolat ML, Symrise) 0.25 polyethylene 3.00 3.00

Hydrogenated castor oil 2.00 2.00

Promyristyl PM -3 7.00 7.00

PEG-8 distearate 3.00 3.00

Silica (Cab-O-Sil M-5) 1.00 1.00 stearyl 15.00 10.00 octyldodecanol - 8.00

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.20 perfume oil 0.75

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 - 0.95

[00163] Example. F24: Suspension Sticks NAME Wt .- Wt .- Wt .-

% % % stearyl 20.00 20.00 20.00

Ad Ad Ad

Cvclomethicone 100 100 100

PPG-14 butyl ether 2.00 2.00 2.00

Hydrogenated castor oil 1.00 1.00 1.00 talc 2.00 2.00 2.00

Aluminum ch loro hydrate, powder 20.00 20.00 20.00

Triclosan® (5-chloro-2- (2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol) 0.30 - 0.30

Ethylhexylglycerol (octoxyglycerol) 0.50 0.80 0.50

1,1 -dimethyl-3-phenyl 0.30 0.40 0.35 anisalcohol - - 0.15

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.25

Perfume oil containing 55% by weight of fragrances other than 0.70 Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate Perfume oil B2 from example 3 - 0.85

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 - - 0.75

[00164] Example F25: Deodorant atomizer

NAME Wt .- Wt .- Wt .-

% % %

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil 3.00 3.00 3.00 NAME Wt .- Wt .- Wt .-

% % %

Ethylhexylglycerol (octoxyglycerol) 0.80 0.80 0.80 ethanol 40,00 40,00 40,00

Citrate buffer 0.50 0.50 0.50

1,2-hexanediol / 1,2-octanediol (1: 1) - 0.25 0.35 phenoxyethanol 0.25 0.35

Triclosan® (5-chloro-2- (2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol) 0.25

2-Benzylheptan-1 -ol (Jasmol) - 0.05 0.15

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.25 0.10

Perfume oil containing 80% by weight of fragrances other than 0.90 Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate Perfume oil from example 4 - 0.75

Perfume oil B2 from example 3 - - 0.80

Ad Ad Ad water 100 100 100

[00165] Example F26: Crayons

NAME Wt Wt

% %

Hydrogenated castor oil 5.00 5.00 beeswax 6.00 6.00

Alkyl benzoate with 12 to 15 C atoms 17.00 17.00 NAME Wt Wt

% %

Ad Ad ceresin

100 100

Neo Heliopan AV (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Symrise) 1.00 2.00

Neo Heliopan 357 (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Symrise) 1.00

1,2-hexanediol / 1,2-octanediol (1: 1) - 0.50 phenoxyethanol 0.50

1,1 -dimethyl-3-phenyl 0.20

2-methyl-5-phenylpentan-1 -ol (rosaphene) - 0.30

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.20

Perfume oil containing 52% by weight of fragrances other than Ethyl

0.60

4-oxopentanoate

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 - 0.70

[00166] Example F27: Deodorant pens

NAME Wt Wt

% % sodium 7.00 8.00 sodium palmitate 1.00

Ad Ad

1.2-propylene glycol

100 100

1.2-butylene glycol 3.00

1,1 -dimethyl-3-phenyl - 0.25 NAME Wt Wt

% %

2-butyl octanoic - 0.50

2-hexyldecanoic 0.30

Polyethylene glycol (25) cetearylether 3.00 3.00 ethanol 20.00 20.00 farnesol - 0.25

Triclosan® (5-chloro-2- (2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol) 0.30

Parabens (mixture of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutylparaben) 0.30

1.2-hexanediol / 1,2-octanediol (1: 1) - 0.50

1.2-pentanediol 1.50

(-) - Alpha-bisabolol, nat. 0.10

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.20

Perfume oil containing 39% by weight of fragrances other than Ethyl

0.60 4-oxopentanoate Perfume oil B2 from example 3 - 0.75

[00167] Example F28: Antiperspirant sticks

NAME Wt Wt

% %

Phenyl Trimethicone (SilCare ™ Silicone 15 M 50) 13.50 13.50 NAME Wt .- Wt .-

% %

Ad Ad

Cetearyl alcohol

100 100

Cetiol CC (dicaprylyl carbonate) 13.50 13.50 stearic acid 3.50 3.50

PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil (Emulsogen ™ HCO 040) 4.10 4.10

PEG-8 distearate (Cithrol 4 DS) 4.10 4.10 petrolatum 6.90 6.90 aluminum chlorohydrate 13.80 13.80

Aluminum Zirconium Trichlorohydrex Gly 20.00 19.50

Neo Heliopan Hydro ® (Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Symrise) 2.00

2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol (muguetalcohol) 0.25

Ethylhexylglycerol (octoxyglycerol) 0.30

Ethyl 4-oxopentanoate 0.25

Perfume oil containing 72% by weight of fragrances other than Ethyl

0.80 4-oxopentanoate

Perfume oil A2 from example 3 1.00