The use is described (i)(a) of a single alcohol of formula (1) or (i)(b) of a mixture comprising or consisting of two or more different alcohols of formula (1), ##STR00001## wherein in each case one of the two radicals R.sup.a or R.sup.b represents hydrogen and in each case the other radical R.sup.a or R.sup.b represents an acyl radical having 2 to 6 C atoms, for reducing an odour or as an auxiliary for reducing an odour.