FlavScents AInsights Entry: Gamma-Undecalactone (Aldehyde C-14)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Gamma-Undecalactone, Aldehyde C-14
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-4-methyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 104-67-6
• FEMA Number: 3091
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
• Molecular Formula: C11H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 184.28 g/mol

Gamma-undecalactone is a lactone compound characterized by a five-membered ring with an ester functional group. Its structure contributes to its fruity, peach-like aroma, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gamma-undecalactone is renowned for its strong, sweet, and creamy peach aroma, often described as having a fruity and slightly coconut-like character. It is a high-impact compound with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. Typically, it serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a realistic and rich peach scent or flavor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-undecalactone naturally occurs in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and plums. It can form through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids during fruit ripening. This compound is often used to enhance "natural flavor" designations due to its presence in these fruits.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Gamma-undecalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as peach, apricot, and nectarine. It acts as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense applications. 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 perfumery, gamma-undecalactone is used across various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with both top and middle notes.

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. 09.011.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• 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-undecalactone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no specific ADI established, but typical use levels are well below any concerning thresholds. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard precautions.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gamma-undecalactone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, authentic peach note. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be diluted.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on gamma-undecalactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data exists due to differences in fruit sources and processing methods.

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 2026-04-21 12:54:41 GMT (p2)