FlavScents AInsights Entry for Delta-Dodecalactone (CAS: 713-95-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Delta-dodecalactone
• IUPAC Name: 5-Butyloxolan-2-one
• CAS Number: 713-95-1
• FEMA Number: 2400
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C12H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 198.31 g/mol

Delta-dodecalactone is a lactone compound characterized by its cyclic ester structure, which contributes to its creamy, coconut-like odor. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its sensory properties, providing a sweet, fatty aroma that is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Delta-dodecalactone is known for its rich, creamy, and coconut-like aroma with a sweet, milky undertone. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct creamy character that enhances the overall sensory profile of a product. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its potent aroma suggests a low threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Delta-dodecalactone occurs naturally in various fruits and dairy products, including peaches, apricots, and butter. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits or the fermentation of dairy products. This compound is often used to impart a "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Delta-dodecalactone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in dairy, fruit, and confectionery applications. It serves as a key component in creating creamy, coconut, and buttery flavors. 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 impact. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, although it may degrade at very high temperatures or extreme pH levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, delta-dodecalactone is utilized across various product types, including perfumes, lotions, and personal care items. It is commonly found in the gourmand and fruity fragrance families, where it acts as a modifier or impact note, adding creamy and sweet nuances. The compound is typically used at concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both the middle and base notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Delta-dodecalactone is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: It is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, indicating its approval for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, maintaining its approval for flavor use.
• Asia: In Japan and China, delta-dodecalactone is permitted for use in flavors, although specific concentration limits may vary.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR recognize its use in flavors, with harmonized regulations similar to those in the US and EU.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Delta-dodecalactone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Delta-dodecalactone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, creamy character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other lactones and creamy notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle creamy background, where its impact can be finely tuned.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on delta-dodecalactone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the compound's safety and efficacy are supported by robust scientific evidence.

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 2026-02-13 12:21:59 GMT (p2)