FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-beta-damascone (CAS: 23726-91-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-beta-damascone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one
• CAS Number: 23726-91-2
• FEMA Number: 3420
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.127
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O
• Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol

(E)-beta-damascone is a ketone with a cyclohexene ring and a conjugated double bond system, contributing to its potent odor profile. The presence of the carbonyl group is crucial for its characteristic scent, which is often described as fruity and floral with a hint of rose.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-beta-damascone is renowned for its intense and complex odor profile. It is characterized by a fruity, floral scent with nuances of rose, apple, and plum. The compound is highly diffusive and impactful even at low concentrations. Its odor threshold is remarkably low, making it a powerful component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. Typically, it serves as an impact note, adding depth and realism to compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-beta-damascone is naturally found in various fruits and flowers, including apples, blackberries, and roses. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits or the withering of flowers. This compound is often used to enhance "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its occurrence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E)-beta-damascone is utilized across a wide range of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and berry profiles. It acts as a potent impact note, providing a realistic and vibrant character to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E)-beta-damascone is a valuable component in floral and fruity fragrance families. It is often used in perfumes, body sprays, and personal care products to impart a fresh, floral aroma. Concentration ranges vary, but it is typically used at trace levels due to its high potency. The compound contributes primarily to the top and middle notes, offering a long-lasting scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 07.127.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-beta-damascone is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-beta-damascone is prized for its ability to enhance the realism and complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, but care must be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent. Formulators should be mindful of its potency and stability under various conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-beta-damascone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are generally documented, some variability in natural occurrence and formation pathways may exist.

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 2026-11-05 22:26:51 GMT (p2)