FlavScents AInsights Entry for Omega-Pentadecalactone (CAS: 106-02-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Omega-pentadecalactone, Exaltolide
• IUPAC Name: Pentadecan-15-olide
• CAS Number: 106-02-5
• FEMA Number: 3689
• Other Identifiers: FL Number 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C15H28O2
• Molecular Weight: 240.38 g/mol

Omega-pentadecalactone is a macrocyclic lactone characterized by a 15-membered ring structure. Its functional group, the lactone, is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its musky and creamy scent. The large ring size is associated with its low volatility and long-lasting fragrance properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Omega-pentadecalactone is renowned for its musky, creamy, and slightly sweet odor. It is often described as having a warm, animalic character with a subtle floral undertone. The intensity of its scent is moderate, providing a persistent background note rather than an overpowering impact. Its diffusion is relatively low, making it suitable for creating depth and warmth in fragrance compositions.

Taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a background realism enhancer and a modifier in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Omega-pentadecalactone is found naturally in various plant species, including angelica root and ambrette seed oil. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids in these plants. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural fragrance" or "natural flavor" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, omega-pentadecalactone is used to impart creamy, musky notes to a variety of products, including dairy, confectionery, and beverages. It functions as a background note, enhancing the overall richness and complexity of the flavor profile.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering muskiness. It is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Omega-pentadecalactone is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, commonly used in the creation of musk accords. It is found in fragrance families such as oriental, floral, and woody. Its role is often as a base note, providing longevity and depth to the fragrance composition.

Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its low volatility makes it an excellent fixative, helping to stabilize more volatile top notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, omega-pentadecalactone is considered safe within the typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Its low volatility minimizes inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent sensitization.

Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. However, IFRA guidelines should be consulted to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Omega-pentadecalactone is valued for its ability to impart a natural muskiness without the use of animal-derived musks. It synergizes well with floral and woody notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering muskiness, and underuse, resulting in a lack of depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on omega-pentadecalactone is well-established, particularly in fragrance applications. While industry practices are generally consistent, some data gaps exist in specific regulatory approvals and sensory thresholds. Formulators should remain informed about regional regulatory updates.

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 2026-11-03 11:11:02 GMT (p2)