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. 09.010
• Molecular Formula: C11H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 184.28 g/mol

Gamma-undecalactone is a lactone compound characterized by its cyclic ester structure. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its peach-like aroma, which is widely utilized in flavor and fragrance formulations.

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, apricot-like character. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it a popular choice for imparting a juicy, ripe fruit note in various applications. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations. It typically serves as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a realistic and appealing fruitiness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-undecalactone naturally occurs in several fruits, including peaches, apricots, and plums. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, specifically the oxidation and subsequent cyclization of hydroxy acids. 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-undecalactone is extensively used in fruit flavor formulations, particularly those mimicking peach, apricot, and other stone fruits. It functions as a key impact note, contributing to the authenticity and richness of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.5 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, gamma-undecalactone is utilized across various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a creamy, sweet undertone that enhances the overall scent profile. Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes, offering a lasting fruity character.

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 concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Gamma-undecalactone is widely accepted for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across many regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, gamma-undecalactone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically not a concern due to its low volatility. Overall, the risk profiles are similar between food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gamma-undecalactone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, juicy peach note, making it indispensable in fruit flavor formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on gamma-undecalactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Overall, the confidence in the data quality is high, with minimal gaps or ambiguities.

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 14:09:37 GMT (p2)