Adjuvants for preventing adaptation to odors comprising one or compounds having the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R1 is a C1 to C8 lower alkyl group or a C7 to C9 aralkyl group, and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C8 lower alkyl group, are described, as are compositions containing the same, and methods for preventing the adaptation to odors. Methods for increasing intracellular calcium ion levels and for prolonging the sensory response of chemoreceptive cells also described.