FlavScents AInsights Entry for Massoia Lactone (CAS: 54814-64-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Massoia lactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 54814-64-1
• FEMA Number: 3744
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.821
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol

Massoia lactone is a lactone compound characterized by a five-membered ring with a butyl side chain. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its creamy, coconut-like aroma, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Massoia lactone is renowned for its rich, creamy, and coconut-like aroma, often described as having a sweet, milky, and slightly woody character. It is a potent odorant with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a realistic coconut flavor that enhances tropical and dairy profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Massoia lactone is naturally found in the bark of the Massoia tree (Cryptocarya massoia), native to Southeast Asia. It can also be produced via the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Massoia lactone is primarily used in tropical and dairy flavor categories, such as coconut, cream, and butter flavors. It acts as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under heat but can be susceptible to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation to maintain its sensory qualities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, massoia lactone is used across various fragrance families, including gourmand, woody, and oriental. It functions as a creamy, coconut-like modifier, adding warmth and richness. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 1%, 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: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.821.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific approvals in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability may exist, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, massoia lactone is considered safe within the established FEMA GRAS limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is monitored by IFRA, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Massoia lactone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, creamy coconut note, making it indispensable in tropical and dairy profiles. It synergizes well with vanilla, caramel, and other lactones. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering blends. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance overall depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on massoia lactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric safety thresholds are not always explicitly reported, requiring reliance on industry norms and expert judgment.

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 2026-09-14 14:14:03 GMT (p2)