Identification of 5,6-dihydro-6-propyl-2H-pyran-2-one as the major volatile constituent in mesquite (Prosopis) flour

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) are woody leguminous plants that belong to the family Leguminosae and grow in arid and semiarid regions of America, Africa and Asia. Prosopis spp. produce indehiscent fruit (pods) that can be milled to yield flour that is sold commercially and is used in pastries and baked goods. The major volatile constituent of mesquite flour was identified as 5,6-dihydro-6-propyl-2H-pyran-2-one on the basis of its Kovats index and mass spectrum. Using δ-nonalactone as an internal standard its concentration was determined to be 59.75 ± 7.07 mg/kg (n = 3).