FlavScents AInsights Entry for Sclareolide (CAS: 564-20-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Sclareolide
• IUPAC Name: (4aR,6R,8aS)-6-Hydroxy-4,4,8a-trimethyl-3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-2(1H)-one
• CAS Number: 564-20-5
• FEMA Number: 3656
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.821
• Molecular Formula: C16H26O2
• Molecular Weight: 250.38 g/mol

Sclareolide is a lactone derived from sclareol, a diterpene alcohol. Its structure features a bicyclic ring system with a lactone functional group, contributing to its unique odor profile. The presence of the lactone ring is crucial for its musk-like scent, which is highly valued in perfumery.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Sclareolide is renowned for its musk-like odor, which is soft, sweet, and slightly ambergris-like. It is often described as having a warm, creamy, and slightly woody character. The intensity of its scent is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in fragrance compositions. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is primarily as a fixative and enhancer of other fragrance components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Sclareolide is primarily derived from clary sage (Salvia sclarea) through the oxidation of sclareol. It is not typically found in nature in its pure form but is a product of the processing of clary sage oil. This compound is significant in the context of "natural fragrance" designations, as it can be sourced from natural plant materials, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Sclareolide is less commonly used in flavors compared to fragrances. When used, it serves as a background note to enhance the richness and depth of flavor profiles, particularly in sweet and creamy applications. Typical use levels in food and beverages are low, often in the range of 0.1 to 1 ppm, depending on the desired effect. It is stable under typical food processing conditions, including heat and varying pH levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, sclareolide is a versatile ingredient used across various fragrance families, including oriental, woody, and floral compositions. It functions as a fixative, enhancing the longevity and depth of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and role. Sclareolide contributes primarily to the base notes due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. No specific restrictions for fragrance use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.821 for flavor use. No specific restrictions for fragrance use.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Generally accepted in Japan and China for both flavor and fragrance use, with no specific restrictions noted.
• Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions for both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Sclareolide is considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances. Oral exposure through flavor use is minimal, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is also considered safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, reducing occupational risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Sclareolide is valued for its ability to enhance the depth and longevity of fragrances. It synergizes well with other musky and woody notes, providing a smooth, creamy background. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its musk character can dominate if not balanced properly. It is often under-utilized in flavor applications, where it can subtly enhance creamy and sweet profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on sclareolide is well-established, particularly in fragrance applications. While industry practices are well-documented, specific numeric values for flavor use are less frequently reported, reflecting typical industry confidentiality. Regulatory information is consistent across major markets, with no significant ambiguities.

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 2026-03-09 15:37:49 GMT (p2)