AInsights Entry for Cyclotene Hydrate (CAS: 80-71-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cyclotene hydrate
• IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone
• CAS Number: 80-71-7
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C5H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 114.10 g/mol

Cyclotene hydrate is a single chemical compound characterized by its furanone structure, which contributes to its sweet, caramel-like odor. The presence of a hydroxyl group and a methyl group on the furanone ring is significant for its sensory properties, influencing both its odor and flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cyclotene hydrate is known for its sweet, caramel-like odor with nuances of maple and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a valuable impact note in flavor formulations. The taste threshold for cyclotene hydrate is not clearly reported, but it is typically used to impart a rich, sweet character in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cyclotene hydrate occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including coffee, roasted nuts, and maple syrup. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that occurs during the heating of sugars and amino acids. This compound is relevant to the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in naturally processed foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cyclotene hydrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in sweet and dessert-like profiles such as caramel, maple, and butterscotch. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the overall sweetness and complexity of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. Cyclotene hydrate is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, cyclotene hydrate is used in gourmand and sweet fragrance families, contributing to the creation of warm, inviting scents. It acts as a modifier and impact note, often used in trace amounts to add depth and realism. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, with cyclotene hydrate contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Cyclotene hydrate is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulatory status aligns with EU regulations.
• Asia: Limited specific data available; generally follows international guidelines.
• Latin America: Regulatory status varies; typically follows international standards.

Cyclotene hydrate's regulatory status is characterized by harmonized assumptions rather than explicit approvals, with some variability in country-specific regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cyclotene hydrate's safety profile is generally considered favorable, with no significant toxicological concerns reported at typical use levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is deemed safe within industry-typical concentrations, although specific ADI or MSDI values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is not associated with significant irritation or sensitization risks, and it is not listed as a restricted substance by IFRA. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cyclotene hydrate is valued for its ability to impart a rich, sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sweet and creamy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the desired sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cyclotene hydrate is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, some regulatory and toxicological data are based on industry-typical practices rather than explicit documentation. Known data gaps include specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological thresholds.

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 2026-08-11 11:55:34 GMT (p2)