A method of providing a fragrant odor to an application, comprising the addition thereto of at least one compound of the formula I wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of -CR1R2R3, -NR4R5 and -OR6, wherein R1 to R5 are selected from H and essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom, and R6 is selected from essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom; and, A is an essentially hydrocarbon moiety that optionally comprises at least one oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen or silicon atom, with the proviso that the compound A-CHO is a fragrant aldehyde. The use of these compounds in laundry, household and personal care products confers a long-lasting freshness.