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 carbonyl group and the conjugated system is crucial for its characteristic scent, which is often described as fruity and floral with a hint of rose.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-beta-damascone is renowned for its intense and complex odor profile, characterized by fruity, floral, and rose-like notes. It exhibits a high odor intensity and is often used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound has a low odor threshold, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its diffusion is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other components while still providing a distinct character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-beta-damascone naturally occurs in various fruits and flowers, including apples, blackberries, and roses. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, a process that can occur during fruit ripening or through enzymatic reactions. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavors and fragrances due to its presence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-beta-damascone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and floral profiles. It serves as an impact note, providing depth and authenticity to flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It 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 perfumery, (E)-beta-damascone is a versatile ingredient used across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and chypre. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges from 0.01% to 0.1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to provide a lasting scent without being too fleeting.

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 07.127.
• 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

For oral exposure, (E)-beta-damascone is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-beta-damascone is valued for its ability to impart a natural and complex character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing overall product appeal. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle rose nuance.

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.

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 2026-02-23 19:54:25 GMT (p2)