AInsights Entry for (±)-Pantolactone (CAS: 79-50-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Pantolactone
• IUPAC Name: 4,4-dimethyl-2-oxetanone
• CAS Number: 79-50-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C6H10O3
• Molecular Weight: 130.14 g/mol

Pantolactone is a lactone, a cyclic ester, which is structurally characterized by a four-membered oxetane ring. The presence of the lactone functional group is significant for its odor properties, contributing to its role in flavor and fragrance applications. The compound exists as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, which can influence its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Pantolactone is known for its mild, sweet odor reminiscent of milk and cream, making it a valuable component in flavor formulations where a creamy note is desired. Its sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer, providing a subtle, smooth base that complements more dominant flavor notes. The odor intensity is moderate, and it is often used to round out the sensory profile of a formulation.

Taste and odor thresholds for pantolactone are not well-documented, but its use in formulations suggests it is effective at low concentrations, typical of many lactones.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Pantolactone is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through synthetic processes. It is often produced via the chemical synthesis of pantothenic acid derivatives. Its presence in natural products is rare, and it is primarily used in formulations that do not require a "natural" designation.

The compound's synthetic origin does not preclude its use in flavor and fragrance applications, where it is valued for its specific sensory contributions rather than its natural occurrence.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Pantolactone is utilized in various flavor categories, including dairy, confectionery, and bakery products, where it enhances creamy and buttery notes. Its functional role in flavor systems is as a background enhancer, providing a smooth, creamy base that supports other flavor components.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not explicitly documented, but industry practice suggests low ppm levels, often below 10 ppm, are effective. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to hydrolysis under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, pantolactone is used in various product types, including personal care products and fine fragrances. It contributes to fragrance families such as gourmand and creamy accords, where it serves as a modifier or background note.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are qualitative, with pantolactone often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired creamy effect. Its volatility is moderate, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Pantolactone is not specifically listed as FEMA GRAS but is used in compliance with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; use is based on safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory data; assumed to follow general safety practices.
• Latin America: No specific data; assumed to follow harmonized safety practices.

Pantolactone's regulatory status is generally based on safety assessments rather than explicit approvals, with harmonized assumptions across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Industry practice suggests low exposure levels due to typical use concentrations.
• Dermal Exposure: Not known to be a primary irritant or sensitizer; IFRA guidelines do not specifically restrict its use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests low risk in typical fragrance applications; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.

Overall, pantolactone is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within industry-typical concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Pantolactone is valued for its ability to impart a creamy, smooth character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and creamy notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste or odor.

Common pitfalls include instability in acidic environments, which can lead to hydrolysis and loss of the desired sensory effect. It is often under-used in formulations where a subtle creamy note could enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on pantolactone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include precise use levels and thresholds, which formulators should verify through practical testing.

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 2026-04-14 17:19:07 GMT (p2)