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: 2789
- 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 application in flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Gamma-nonalactone is renowned for its creamy, coconut-like odor and flavor, often described as sweet, milky, and slightly fruity. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it an impactful note in formulations. The taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable effect even at low concentrations. It is typically used as an impact note to provide a rich, creamy background in both flavor and fragrance compositions.
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, which is a common pathway in the biosynthesis of lactones in fruits. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory terms, provided it is derived from these sources.
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, providing creaminess and enhancing the overall richness of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust applications like coconut-flavored beverages. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, gamma-nonalactone is utilized in various product types, including personal care products and fine fragrances. It contributes to the creamy, lactonic notes in fragrance compositions, often used as a modifier or background note. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired intensity. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
- Flavor Use: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA.
- Fragrance Use: No specific restrictions noted.
European Union
- Flavor Use: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.011.
- Fragrance Use: Subject to general safety assessments.
United Kingdom
- Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards.
Asia
- Japan: Permitted for use in flavors.
- China: Regulated under national food safety standards.
Latin America
- Brazil: Approved for use in food and fragrances under MERCOSUR regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Gamma-nonalactone is considered safe for use in food products at typical concentrations, with an established ADI by relevant authorities.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use levels. IFRA standards provide guidance on safe use concentrations.
Inhalation Exposure
Volatility is moderate, and no significant occupational hazards have been reported under normal use conditions.
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 both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and tropical fruit notes. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial character. It is often underutilized in non-tropical applications where a subtle creamy note could enhance complexity.
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 variability in natural occurrence data exists due to differences in source materials.
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 2026-09-04 21:42:07 GMT (p2)
