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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Delta-decalactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyl-4-methyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 705-86-2
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol

Delta-decalactone is a lactone compound characterized by its cyclic ester functional group. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its creamy, fruity odor profile, often associated with peach and apricot notes. The butyl side chain contributes to its hydrophobic nature, influencing its volatility and diffusion in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Delta-decalactone is renowned for its creamy, fruity aroma reminiscent of peaches and apricots. It exhibits a moderate intensity with a smooth, sweet character that can enhance the richness of flavor profiles. The compound is often used as an impact note in formulations, providing a realistic fruity nuance. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory impact is significant even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Delta-decalactone naturally occurs in various fruits, including peaches, apricots, and strawberries. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, a process that can occur during fruit ripening or fermentation. This compound is often used to achieve a "natural flavor" designation in products, aligning with consumer preferences for naturally derived ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Delta-decalactone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, dairy, and confectionery. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of peach and apricot flavors. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. The compound 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 the fragrance industry, delta-decalactone is valued for its creamy, fruity aroma, fitting well within fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding depth and realism to compositions. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

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, listed with FL No. 09.011.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific usage guidelines.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals are in place across major regions, though formulators should verify country-specific guidelines to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, delta-decalactone is considered safe within the typical use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, aligning with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. Overall, the risk profile is favorable for both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Delta-decalactone is prized for its ability to impart a natural, creamy fruitiness to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add unexpected richness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on delta-decalactone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in fruit sources and processing methods.

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 14:11:31 GMT (p2)