FlavScents AInsights Entry for Yuzu Lactone (CAS: 79894-06-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Yuzu lactone
- IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one
- CAS Number: 79894-06-7
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C9H16O2
- Molecular Weight: 156.22 g/mol
Yuzu lactone is a single chemical compound characterized by its lactone functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The structure of yuzu lactone contributes to its unique sensory attributes, often associated with fruity and creamy notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Yuzu lactone is known for its distinctive odor and flavor profile, often described as creamy, fruity, and reminiscent of coconut with subtle citrus undertones. It is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a rich and complex aroma. The intensity of yuzu lactone is moderate, making it suitable for both primary and background roles in flavor systems. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory impact is well-documented in industry literature.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Yuzu lactone is naturally found in various citrus fruits, particularly in yuzu (Citrus junos), from which it derives its name. It can also be formed through the Maillard reaction and enzymatic processes during food processing. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Yuzu lactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit, dairy, and confectionery categories. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the creamy and fruity characteristics of the product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical values often guiding formulation practices. Yuzu lactone is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, yuzu lactone is valued for its creamy, coconut-like aroma, contributing to both top and middle notes in fragrance compositions. It is commonly used in personal care products, such as lotions and shampoos, where it acts as a modifier and impact note. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, with its volatility allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Yuzu lactone is not explicitly listed in FEMA GRAS but is used under general flavoring principles.
- European Union: It is used under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with no specific FL number assigned.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards, with no divergence reported.
- Asia: In Japan, yuzu lactone is recognized in traditional flavor applications. Data for China and ASEAN countries are limited.
- Latin America: Usage is generally aligned with international standards, though specific regulatory data are sparse.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are reported for yuzu lactone. It is generally recognized as safe when used in typical flavor concentrations.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization, but it is considered safe in fragrance applications at typical use levels.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests low occupational risk, with no specific inhalation hazards reported.
Overall, the risk profile of yuzu lactone does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Yuzu lactone is prized for its ability to impart a creamy, fruity note that enhances the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and fruity esters, but formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate if overused. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add unexpected depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on yuzu lactone is well-established in terms of sensory and functional roles, though specific regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive. Industry practices often fill these gaps, relying on typical use levels and historical safety records.
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
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 2026-03-01 13:08:15 GMT (p2)