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. 09.011
- 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 lactone ring is crucial for its creamy, coconut-like aroma, which is a key feature in its sensory profile. The butyl side chain contributes to its hydrophobic nature, influencing its volatility and diffusion in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Gamma-nonalactone is renowned for its creamy, coconut-like aroma with nuances of peach and apricot. It is often described as having a sweet, milky, and slightly fatty character. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for both impact and background roles in formulations. The taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Gamma-nonalactone occurs naturally in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and coconuts. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, particularly during the ripening process of fruits. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in nature.
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 an impact note in coconut and peach flavors and as a background enhancer in creamy and buttery profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. 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 utilized in various families, including gourmand, fruity, and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier, adding creamy and lactonic nuances to the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility places it in the middle note category, contributing to the fragrance's heart.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.011.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- 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 fragrance applications. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an established ADI, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with no significant occupational hazards reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Gamma-nonalactone is valued for its ability to impart a creamy, coconut-like aroma and flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other lactones and fruity esters, enhancing tropical and dairy profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if used excessively, and it is often under-utilized in non-tropical applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on gamma-nonalactone 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 compound's safety and efficacy are supported by robust scientific literature.
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 2026-03-06 08:39:59 GMT (p2)
