FlavScents AInsights Entry for Delta-Decalactone (CAS: 705-86-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Delta-decalactone, also known as 5-Decanolide, is a single chemical compound with the CAS number 705-86-2. Its IUPAC name is 5-Decanolide. The FEMA number for delta-decalactone is 2360. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.008 and CoE number 199. The molecular formula is C10H18O2, and it has a molecular weight of 170.25 g/mol. Delta-decalactone is a lactone, a cyclic ester, which contributes to its creamy, coconut-like odor profile. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its characteristic scent, often used in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Delta-decalactone is characterized by its creamy, coconut-like odor with a sweet, fruity undertone. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in formulations, providing a rich, creamy background that enhances the overall sensory experience. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, it is known for its ability to impart a distinct coconut flavor even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Delta-decalactone occurs naturally in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and strawberries. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits. This compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its presence in nature and its method of formation, which aligns with natural flavor designation criteria.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Delta-decalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in dairy, coconut, and tropical fruit profiles. It serves as a key component in creating creamy and rich flavor notes. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with lower concentrations providing subtle background notes and higher concentrations delivering a more pronounced coconut flavor. The compound is stable under typical food 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, delta-decalactone is used in various fragrance families, including gourmand and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing creamy, lactonic qualities to perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Delta-decalactone is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, delta-decalactone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 09.008. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, delta-decalactone is permitted for use in flavors, though 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

Delta-decalactone is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, with no specific IFRA restrictions. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. 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

Delta-decalactone is valued for its ability to impart creamy, coconut-like notes, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and fruity esters, enhancing tropical and dairy profiles. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance overall product quality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on delta-decalactone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented use levels and safety assessments. However, specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further exploration.

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 2026-06-11 13:03:36 GMT (p2)