FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gamma-Valerolactone (CAS: 108-29-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Gamma-valerolactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Methyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 108-29-2
• FEMA Number: 3107
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C5H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol

Gamma-valerolactone is a lactone compound characterized by its five-membered ring structure, which includes an ester functional group. This structure is significant for its odor properties, contributing to its sweet, creamy, and slightly fruity aroma, often compared to caramel or coconut. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its volatility and sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gamma-valerolactone is known for its sweet, creamy, and slightly fruity aroma, reminiscent of caramel and coconut. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a smooth diffusion. The compound is primarily used as a background note to enhance the richness and depth of flavor profiles. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-valerolactone occurs naturally in various fruits and fermented products. It can be formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their distinctive flavor. This compound is relevant to the "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in natural sources and its formation through common food processing reactions.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Gamma-valerolactone is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including dairy, caramel, and fruit flavors. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the creamy and sweet notes in flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally stable under typical food 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 fragrance applications, gamma-valerolactone is used in gourmand and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a trace realism enhancer, providing creamy and sweet undertones. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Due to its moderate volatility, it contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with 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-valerolactone is widely accepted for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across major markets. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, gamma-valerolactone is considered safe within the established GRAS limits, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, with low irritation and sensitization potential, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles are consistent across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gamma-valerolactone is valued for its ability to enhance creamy and sweet notes, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and sweet compounds, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial profile. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on gamma-valerolactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification.

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
• No section 5a required as this is not a complex natural material

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 2026-04-16 15:19:01 GMT (p2)