Synthesis of d6-deuterated analogues of aroma molecules-β-damascenone, β-damascone and safranal

β-Damascenone, a C13-norisoprenoid, is an important aroma compound not only in wine but also in the perfume and flavouring industries. Its key contribution to the floral aromas of many wine varieties, and impact on the overall wine aroma profile, make its quantification in various matrices of increasing interest and demand. The stable isotope dilution assay (SIDA) is one of the most precise analytical methods based on using isotopically labelled standards. Herein, we describe the synthesis of d6-β-damascenone, d6-β-damascone, and d6-safranal, other aroma compounds in nature, starting from the readily available deuterated starting material d6-acetone.