AInsights Entry for Delta-Tetradecalactone (CAS: 2721-22-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Delta-Tetradecalactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-5-ethyl-4,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one
• CAS Number: 2721-22-4
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: 09.017
• Molecular Formula: C14H26O2
• Molecular Weight: 226.36 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Delta-Tetradecalactone is a lactone, a cyclic ester, which contributes to its creamy, coconut-like aroma. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its characteristic odor profile, often associated with sweet, fatty, and fruity notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Delta-Tetradecalactone is characterized by a creamy, coconut-like aroma with sweet, fatty undertones. It is often described as having a mild intensity with moderate diffusion.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported; however, it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a creamy, coconut-like character that enhances the richness and sweetness of the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Delta-Tetradecalactone is found naturally in some fruits and dairy products, contributing to their creamy and sweet aroma profiles.
• Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids in natural sources.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its occurrence in natural sources, delta-tetradecalactone can be labeled as a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from these sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in dairy, coconut, and tropical fruit flavors.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a creamy, sweet enhancer, providing depth and richness.
• Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 1 to 10 ppm in finished food products, with variations depending on the desired intensity.
• Stability Considerations: Delta-Tetradecalactone is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Used in gourmand, fruity, and floral fragrance compositions.
• Functional Role: Provides a creamy, sweet base note, enhancing the richness of the fragrance.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Acts primarily as a base note due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Approved for use as a flavoring substance.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level approval status not clearly reported.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level approval status not clearly reported.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; generally considered safe at typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Provides a unique creamy, coconut-like aroma that is difficult to replicate with other compounds.
• Typical Synergies: Blends well with other lactones, vanillin, and fruity esters.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma; balance is key.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in non-dairy applications where a creamy note could enhance the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Sensory profile and natural occurrence are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and stability considerations are based on industry norms.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals in Asia and Latin America are not well-documented.

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 2026-09-11 18:37:19 GMT (p2)