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
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: (E)-beta-damascone is characterized by its enone functional group, which contributes to its potent and distinctive odor profile. The presence of the cyclohexene ring and the conjugated double bond system 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 renowned for its powerful and complex odor, often described as fruity, floral, and woody with nuances of rose, apple, and plum. 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 typical sensory role includes serving as an impact note or a modifier to enhance the realism and depth of floral and fruity accords.

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 naturally in plants or be induced during food processing. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, aligning with consumer preferences for naturally derived ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-beta-damascone is utilized across a wide range of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and confectionery applications. It functions primarily as an impact note, providing a distinctive and recognizable character to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and oxidation, which can degrade its sensory qualities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E)-beta-damascone is a key component in floral, fruity, and woody fragrance families. It serves as both a trace realism enhancer and an impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh and vibrant character, while its tenacity ensures lasting impact.

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: Regulatory status aligns with EU standards post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific approvals in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though formulators should verify country-specific regulations to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-beta-damascone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a favorable margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low-risk due to its volatility and use at low concentrations. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

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 the overall depth and realism of compositions. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its potent character with complementary ingredients to achieve optimal results.

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 variability in natural occurrence and formation pathways may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, and regulatory ambiguities are rare, ensuring high confidence in its use and safety.

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 2026-08-27 14:26:10 GMT (p2)