FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ambrettolide (CAS: 7779-50-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ambrettolide
• IUPAC Name: 15-Methyl-16-oxacyclohexadec-15-en-17-one
• CAS Number: 7779-50-2
• FEMA Number: 2676
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C16H28O2
• Molecular Weight: 252.39 g/mol

Ambrettolide is a macrocyclic lactone known for its musky odor, which is attributed to its large ring structure. The presence of the lactone group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its characteristic musky and sweet scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ambrettolide is renowned for its musky, sweet, and slightly fruity odor. It is often described as having a warm, animalic character with a subtle floral undertone. The intensity of ambrettolide is moderate, making it suitable for use as both an impact note and a background modifier in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable scent even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ambrettolide is naturally found in ambrette seed oil, which is derived from the seeds of the Abelmoschus moschatus plant. The compound is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids present in the seeds. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural fragrance" formulations, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ambrettolide is used in flavor applications to impart a musky, sweet note that enhances the complexity of the flavor profile. It is commonly used in fruit, nut, and dairy flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. Ambrettolide is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may oxidize over time if not properly stored.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, ambrettolide is a versatile ingredient used across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and woody compositions. It serves as a base note, providing longevity and depth to the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to its role as a middle to base note in fragrance formulations.

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. 09.037.
• 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.

Ambrettolide is widely accepted for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized regulations across major markets. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Ambrettolide has a high margin of safety for oral use, with no adverse effects reported at typical flavor concentrations.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines provide specific usage limits to ensure safety.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

The risk profiles for ambrettolide are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns identified at typical usage levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ambrettolide is valued for its ability to impart a natural muskiness without the use of animal-derived ingredients. It synergizes well with floral and woody notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering muskiness, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should balance ambrettolide with complementary notes to achieve the desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ambrettolide 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 no significant gaps identified.

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 2026-01-20 22:59:34 GMT (p2)