Two New Aromatic Sesquiterpenes from Cigar Tobacco and Their Effects on the Aroma of Cigars

Abstract

Two new aromatic sesquiterpenes, 2-(3-isopropyl-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-4-methylfuran (1) and (5-(3-isopropyl-4,5-dimethoxybenzyl)furan-3-yl)methanol (2) were isolated from the stems of cigar tobacco (a variety of Nicotiana tabacum). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Interestingly, compound 2 has a weak, sweet fragrance. They can enhance the sweet aroma style of cigar smoke and have potential value for use as an essence for cigar tobacco.