FlavScents AInsights Entry for Waxy Lactone (CAS: 70851-61-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Waxy lactone
- IUPAC Name: Data not found
- CAS Number: 70851-61-5
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: Data not found
- Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: Data not found
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Waxy lactone is characterized by its lactone functional group, which is known to contribute to its creamy, coconut-like odor profile. Lactones are cyclic esters that often impart rich, fatty, and fruity notes in both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Waxy lactone is typically described as having a creamy, coconut-like odor with a waxy undertone. It is often perceived as rich and smooth, contributing to its use in creating creamy and tropical flavor profiles.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found
- Typical Sensory Role: Waxy lactone serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a creamy and tropical character that enhances the overall sensory experience.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Waxy lactone is found naturally in various fruits and dairy products, contributing to their creamy and tropical aromas.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, which is a common pathway for lactone formation in nature.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its natural occurrence in fruits and dairy, waxy lactone can be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Waxy lactone is used in tropical, dairy, and confectionery flavor categories. It is particularly valued for its ability to impart a creamy, coconut-like note.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as an impact note, enhancing the richness and creaminess of the flavor profile.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found; industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
- Stability Considerations: Waxy lactone is generally stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Waxy lactone is used in creamy, tropical, and gourmand fragrance families. It is commonly found in personal care products, such as lotions and creams, as well as in fine fragrances.
- Functional Role: It serves as a modifier, adding creamy and smooth notes to fragrance compositions.
- Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Data not found; typically used at low concentrations to achieve the desired creamy effect.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Waxy lactone is considered a middle note, providing a lasting creamy character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Data not found
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Data not found
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Data not found
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found; formulators should verify safety through FEMA GRAS documentation.
- Dermal Exposure: Data not found; typically considered safe for use in personal care products at low concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Data not found; generally considered safe for use in fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Waxy lactone is prized for its ability to impart a creamy, coconut-like aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
- Typical Synergies: It pairs well with other tropical and creamy notes, such as vanilla and coconut.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering waxy note, so careful dosing is essential.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle creamy note due to concerns about its intensity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: The sensory profile of waxy lactone is well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status may vary; formulators should consult authoritative sources.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.
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
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 2026-06-25 14:00:34 GMT (p2)