FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gamma-Nonalactone (Aldehyde C-18)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Gamma-Nonalactone, Aldehyde C-18
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-4-methyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 104-61-0
• FEMA Number: 2780
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.010
• Molecular Formula: C9H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 156.22 g/mol

Gamma-nonalactone is a lactone compound characterized by its cyclic ester structure. The presence of the butyl and methyl groups contributes to its creamy, coconut-like aroma, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gamma-nonalactone is renowned for its creamy, coconut-like odor and flavor, often described as sweet and milky with a hint of peach. It is a potent compound with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing a rich, creamy background in flavor formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-nonalactone occurs naturally in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and coconuts. It can form through the Maillard reaction and lipid oxidation processes, contributing to its presence in cooked and processed foods. Its natural occurrence supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Gamma-nonalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in dairy, coconut, and tropical fruit profiles. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing creaminess and richness. Typical use levels range from 1 to 20 ppm in finished products, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, gamma-nonalactone is used to impart creamy, lactonic notes, often in tropical or gourmand compositions. It functions as a middle note, providing depth and warmth. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

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 No. 09.010.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Gamma-nonalactone is considered safe for use in food and fragrances at typical concentrations. Oral exposure is well-tolerated, with an ADI established by JECFA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally non-irritating, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gamma-nonalactone is valued for its ability to impart creamy, coconut-like notes, enhancing the richness of formulations. It synergizes well with other lactones and tropical fruit flavors. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering effects and consider its stability under various processing conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on gamma-nonalactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability in regulatory limits may exist across regions.

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

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 2026-04-28 06:13:25 GMT (p2)