FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gamma-Decalactone (CAS: 706-14-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Gamma-decalactone, also known as 4-decanolide, is a lactone compound with the CAS number 706-14-9. It is recognized by the FEMA number 2360. The molecular formula for gamma-decalactone is C10H18O2, and it has a molecular weight of 170.25 g/mol. This compound features a lactone ring, which is crucial for its characteristic peach-like aroma. The presence of the lactone functional group is significant for its odor profile, contributing to its use in flavor and fragrance applications.
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 scent. The compound is used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a strong and recognizable peach character. The odor threshold of gamma-decalactone is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, but it can also serve as a background enhancer in complex formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Gamma-decalactone occurs naturally in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and strawberries. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, specifically from ricinoleic acid, during fruit ripening. This compound is often used to impart a "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in nature. Its formation is a result of natural biochemical processes, making it a suitable candidate for natural flavor labeling.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Gamma-decalactone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as peach, apricot, and strawberry. It serves as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth to these flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may degrade under extreme conditions.
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 modifier or impact note, contributing a creamy, peach-like scent to perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity. Gamma-decalactone is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility, providing a lasting fruity aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
Gamma-decalactone is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by the FDA and FEMA in the United States. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned an FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, gamma-decalactone is permitted for use in food flavors, although specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also allow its use, aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Gamma-decalactone is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. The compound has a low potential for dermal irritation and sensitization, making it suitable for use in fragrances. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe at typical use levels, although occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure. 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
Gamma-decalactone is valued for its ability to impart a natural and authentic peach aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile of formulations. A common pitfall is overuse, which can lead to an overpowering and artificial scent. It is frequently under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance background realism without dominating the profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on gamma-decalactone is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information being consistent across authoritative sources.
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 2026-09-14 14:13:20 GMT (p2)
