FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cyclotene (CAS: 765-70-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cyclotene
• IUPAC Name: 2-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one
• CAS Number: 765-70-8
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C6H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 112.13 g/mol

Cyclotene is a cyclic ketone with a hydroxyl group, contributing to its characteristic sweet, caramel-like odor. The presence of the hydroxyl group and the conjugated double bond in the cyclopentenone ring structure is crucial for its sensory properties, influencing both its odor profile and its reactivity in flavor formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cyclotene is known for its sweet, caramel-like aroma with nuances of maple and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a valuable impact note in flavor compositions. The taste threshold of cyclotene is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations. It is typically used to enhance the sweetness and depth of flavors, acting as both an impact note and a background realism enhancer.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cyclotene naturally occurs in various foodstuffs, including maple syrup, coffee, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex series of chemical reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars during the heating process. This reaction is responsible for the development of cyclotene's characteristic caramel-like aroma, making it a key component in the flavor profile of many cooked and processed foods. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cyclotene is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in categories such as bakery, confectionery, and dairy products. It serves as a flavor enhancer, providing depth and sweetness to the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. Cyclotene is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions, making it suitable for a variety of food processing applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, cyclotene is utilized for its sweet, caramel-like scent, fitting well within gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, often used to add warmth and sweetness to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Cyclotene contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Cyclotene is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.008, cyclotene is approved for use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding cyclotene's use in flavors.
• Asia: In Japan, cyclotene is permitted for use in food flavors, while in China and ASEAN countries, it is generally recognized under harmonized flavor regulations.
• Latin America: Cyclotene is accepted in countries like Brazil under MERCOSUR regulations, with specific usage guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cyclotene is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical usage levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low potential for irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with no significant occupational hazards identified.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cyclotene is valued for its ability to impart a rich, caramel-like sweetness to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, chocolate, and nutty notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering sweetness. Cyclotene is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add subtle depth and warmth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cyclotene is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in cyclotene's safety and efficacy in flavor and fragrance applications is high.

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 2026-02-24 13:49:00 GMT (p2)