FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gamma-Decalactone (CAS: 706-14-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Gamma-decalactone
- IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-4-methyloxolan-2-one
- CAS Number: 706-14-9
- FEMA Number: 2360
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
- Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol
Gamma-decalactone is a lactone compound characterized by its cyclic ester structure. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its peach-like aroma, which is a result of the interaction between the ester functional group and the alkyl side chain. This structure-odor relationship is significant in its application in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Gamma-decalactone is renowned for its fruity, peach-like aroma with creamy and coconut nuances. It is often described as having a sweet, milky, and slightly waxy character. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background enhancer in formulations. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable aroma even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Gamma-decalactone naturally occurs in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and strawberries. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, specifically the beta-oxidation of ricinoleic acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in many fruits.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Gamma-decalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as peach, apricot, and strawberry. It serves as an impact note and a modifier, providing a creamy and fruity profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. It is stable under heat and acidic conditions, making it versatile for various food applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, gamma-decalactone is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a trace realism enhancer and an impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with other fruity and floral notes.
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 09.011.
- 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.
Gamma-decalactone is widely approved for use in both flavors and fragrances, with harmonized regulations across major markets. However, formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Gamma-decalactone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with an ADI not specified due to its low toxicity. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Gamma-decalactone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, fruity aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial scent. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance the overall character without dominating.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on gamma-decalactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Overall, the confidence in the data quality is high, with minimal gaps or ambiguities.
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 2026-03-11 15:56:21 GMT (p2)
