The present invention relates to the use of diesters of 2,5-dimethyl-2-hexenedioic acid, 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexenedioic acid and 2,5-dimethyladipic acid or a mixture thereof as a fragrance or as flavor, to a method for imparting or modifying a scent or a flavor to a composition by including said compounds into such composition, to a fragrance containing composition and/or a fragrance material containing said compounds and to a process for preparing diesters of 2,5-dimethyladipic acid.