FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lilac Lactone (CAS: 1073-11-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Lilac lactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-3-methyl-4,5-dihydro-2(3H)-furanone
• CAS Number: 1073-11-6
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 156.22 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Lilac lactone is a lactone, which is a cyclic ester. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its characteristic creamy, coconut-like odor, which is often associated with floral and fruity notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Lilac lactone is known for its creamy, coconut-like aroma with floral and fruity nuances. It is often described as having a sweet, milky scent with a hint of lilac.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a creamy, floral character that enhances the overall complexity of a fragrance or flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Lilac lactone is not typically found in nature but can be synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Formation Pathways: It is commonly produced through chemical synthesis rather than natural extraction.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, lilac lactone is not typically classified as a natural flavor or fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Lilac lactone is used in dairy, coconut, and tropical fruit flavors, adding a creamy, sweet note.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, enhancing the richness and depth of the flavor profile.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not available; however, industry-typical use is in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: Lilac lactone is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in floral, fruity, and gourmand fragrance families.
• Functional Role: It serves as a trace realism note, adding creamy and floral nuances.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Used in trace amounts, typically less than 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Lilac lactone contributes to the middle notes, providing a lasting creamy character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not specifically listed under EU regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI, TTC, or MSDI; typically used in low concentrations minimizing risk.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe at typical use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate; no specific occupational exposure limits reported.
• Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe for both food and fragrance applications when used within industry guidelines.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Lilac lactone provides a unique creamy, floral note that is difficult to replicate with other materials.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall richness of the formulation.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering creamy note that may dominate the profile.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle creamy nuance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical identity and sensory profile are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status are often based on industry norms rather than explicit documentation.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-09-08 07:25:59 GMT (p2)