Sur l'arǒme de viande de bœuf grillée III. Pyrrolo [1,2-a]pyrazines,identification et synthèse

Synthesis of alkylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines, roasted meat flavor constituents Seven alkylpyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines have been identified for the first time in a roasted meat aroma obtained by thermolysis of the hydrosoluble flavor precursors of raw meat. Identification of individual components was done by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy coupling. The structure of these nitrogen heterocyclic compounds was for some time in doubt because of the similarity of the MS. with those of other diazaindene and diazanaphthalene derivatives such as benzimidazoles, indazoles, cyclopenta [b]pyrazines and dihydroquinoxalines. The structure of these new flavor components was completely elucidated in some cases by interpretation of NMR. spectra, the others being deduced by analogy. Hypotheses are formulated concerning the formation of this skeleton by a non-enzymatic browning reaction between carbohydrates and amino acids. Four different schemes have been adopted to synthesize substituted isomers selectively.