FlavScents AInsights Entry for 6-amyl-alpha-pyrone (CAS: 27593-23-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 6-amyl-alpha-pyrone
• IUPAC Name: 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one
• CAS Number: 27593-23-3
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 168.24 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is characterized by a pyrone ring, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of the pentyl side chain contributes to its unique scent, often described as coconut-like.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is known for its distinctive coconut-like aroma, which is both sweet and creamy. It is often used as an impact note in flavor formulations due to its strong and recognizable scent. The compound has a moderate diffusion and intensity, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used in low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is naturally found in some plant species, particularly in the bark of certain trees. It can also be formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its occurrence in nature and its formation through natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is primarily used in flavor formulations to impart a coconut-like aroma. It is commonly found in tropical and exotic flavor profiles, including those used in beverages, desserts, and confectionery. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is used to add creamy, coconut-like notes to various fragrance families, including gourmand and tropical scents. It serves as a modifier and impact note, often used in trace amounts to enhance the overall fragrance profile. The compound is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations. It contributes primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS, but used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage is based on general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety assessments.
• Latin America: Usage is typically aligned with international standards, but specific country regulations may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available. General safety is assumed based on low usage levels and natural occurrence.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests low risk at typical usage levels; occupational exposure limits are not well-defined.

Overall, the risk profile does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to recommended usage levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is valued for its ability to impart a natural coconut aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other tropical and creamy notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its strong aroma can dominate other components. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 6-amyl-alpha-pyrone is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and general safety assessments. Known data gaps include precise usage thresholds and comprehensive regulatory listings.

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 2026-11-09 10:46:51 GMT (p2)