FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cyclotene Hydrate (CAS: 80-71-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cyclotene hydrate
• IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone
• CAS Number: 80-71-7
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not found; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not found
• Molecular Formula: C5H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 114.10 g/mol

Cyclotene hydrate is a single chemical compound characterized by a furanone ring with a hydroxyl group and a methyl group. The presence of these functional groups contributes to its sweet, caramel-like odor, which is significant in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cyclotene hydrate is known for its sweet, caramel-like odor 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 formulations. The taste threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used to impart a rich, sweet character to food and beverage products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cyclotene hydrate is naturally found in a variety of foods, including coffee, roasted nuts, and maple syrup. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in naturally occurring food items.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cyclotene hydrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in sweet and dessert-like profiles such as caramel, maple, and butterscotch. It serves as an impact note, providing depth and richness to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, cyclotene hydrate is used in gourmand and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, adding warmth and sweetness to the fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, with trace amounts providing significant olfactory impact. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Cyclotene hydrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food flavors by FEMA.
• European Union: It is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, it aligns with EU regulations for flavor use.
• Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not clearly reported.
• Latin America: Data not found for Brazil and MERCOSUR, but it is typically assumed to follow international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cyclotene hydrate is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cyclotene hydrate is valued for its ability to impart a rich, sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sweet and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add subtle sweetness and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cyclotene hydrate is well-established, particularly in flavor applications. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regulatory and toxicological data gaps exist, particularly in non-Western markets. Overall, the compound is considered safe and effective within typical use levels.

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 2026-07-02 08:18:39 GMT (p2)