FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-beta-damascone (CAS: 23726-91-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-beta-damascone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one
• CAS Number: 23726-91-2
• FEMA Number: 3420
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.127
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O
• Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol

(E)-beta-damascone is a ketone with a cyclohexene ring and a conjugated double bond system, contributing to its potent odor profile. The presence of the trimethyl group enhances its olfactory impact, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-beta-damascone is characterized by a powerful, fruity, floral aroma with nuances of rose, apple, and blackcurrant. It exhibits a high intensity and excellent diffusion, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The odor threshold is notably low, allowing it to impart significant character even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role often includes acting as a top note or a modifier to enhance the complexity of a fragrance or flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-beta-damascone is naturally found in various fruits and flowers, including apples, blackcurrants, and roses. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits or the withering of flowers. This compound is often used to achieve a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designation due to its occurrence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-beta-damascone is utilized in a wide range of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and berry flavors. It serves as an impact note, providing a distinct fruity and floral character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 1 ppm. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E)-beta-damascone is used across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and chypre. It acts as a top note, providing freshness and complexity. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to contribute significantly to the initial impression of a fragrance.

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 an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• 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

For oral exposure, (E)-beta-damascone is considered safe within the typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but implied through GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-beta-damascone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, fruity-floral character. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering other components. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle, natural enhancement.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-beta-damascone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. No significant data gaps are noted.

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 10:14:17 GMT (p2)