FlavScents AInsights Entry: Gamma-Octalactone (CAS: 104-50-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Gamma-Octalactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 104-50-7
• FEMA Number: 2790
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.010
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 142.20 g/mol

Gamma-octalactone is a lactone compound characterized by a five-membered ring containing an ester functional group. Its structure is significant for its creamy, coconut-like odor, which is attributed to the presence of the lactone ring. This structural feature is crucial for its role in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gamma-octalactone is renowned for its creamy, coconut-like aroma, often described as sweet and milky with a hint of peach. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. Typically, gamma-octalactone serves as an impact note, providing a rich, creamy background that enhances the overall sensory profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-octalactone is naturally found in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and coconuts. It can also be 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 achieve a "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in natural sources and its ability to mimic the creamy notes found in many fruits and dairy products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Gamma-octalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in dairy, fruit, and confectionery applications. It functions as a key impact note, providing creamy and coconut-like characteristics that enhance the richness and depth of flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with lower concentrations used in delicate fruit flavors and higher levels in robust dairy or coconut profiles. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, gamma-octalactone is utilized across various fragrance families, including gourmand, fruity, and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier, adding creamy, lactonic notes that enhance the realism and complexity of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Gamma-octalactone contributes primarily to the middle notes, offering moderate volatility that supports the fragrance's longevity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.010.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Gamma-octalactone is widely accepted across major markets, with harmonized assumptions regarding its safety and usage levels. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Gamma-octalactone 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 is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. 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

Gamma-octalactone is valued for its ability to impart creamy, coconut-like notes that enhance the sensory appeal of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and fruity esters, creating rich, complex profiles. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial character. It is often under-used in subtle applications where its impact can significantly enhance the overall profile without dominating.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on gamma-octalactone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Overall, the confidence in the data quality is high, with no significant gaps or ambiguities noted.

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 2026-01-26 18:17:18 GMT (p2)