FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Damascenone (CAS: 23696-85-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Beta-damascenone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one
• CAS Number: 23696-85-7
• FEMA Number: 3422
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O
• Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Beta-damascenone is a ketone with a conjugated double bond system, contributing to its potent odor profile. The structure is crucial for its characteristic floral and fruity aroma, often described as rose-like with nuances of apple and tobacco.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Beta-damascenone is renowned for its powerful and complex aroma, characterized by floral, fruity, and sweet notes. It is often described as having a rose-like scent with hints of apple, plum, and tobacco. The compound is highly potent, with an odor threshold in the low parts per billion (ppb) range, making it an impactful note even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Beta-damascenone occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and flowers, including roses, apples, blackcurrants, and grapes. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, particularly during the ripening of fruits and the fermentation of wine. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in many natural sources and its formation through natural biochemical pathways.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Beta-damascenone is utilized across various flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and wine flavors. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often documented. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, beta-damascenone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, floral character to perfumes. It is commonly used in floral, fruity, and oriental fragrance families. The compound acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to both the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations in perfumes are in the range of 0.001% to 0.01%, depending on the desired intensity and 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 number 07.008.
• 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.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Beta-damascenone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Beta-damascenone is a valuable material for its ability to enhance and enrich flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in formulations where a subtle yet impactful floral note is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on beta-damascenone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented in the literature. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. 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 2026-09-01 09:12:19 GMT (p2)