FlavScents AInsights Entry for Delta-Damascone (CAS: 57378-68-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Delta-Damascone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2-buten-1-one
• CAS Number: 57378-68-4
• FEMA Number: 3424
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.127
• Molecular Formula: C13H20O
• Molecular Weight: 192.30 g/mol

Delta-damascone is a ketone with a cyclohexene ring and a conjugated double bond system, contributing to its potent odor profile. The presence of the trimethyl group enhances its olfactory impact, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Delta-damascone is characterized by a powerful, fruity, floral aroma with nuances of apple, rose, and woody undertones. It is known for its high intensity and excellent diffusion properties, making it an impactful note in formulations. The odor threshold is exceptionally low, often detectable at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppb, which underscores its potency as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Delta-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

Delta-damascone is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and woody profiles. It serves as an impact note, providing a realistic and intense fruity-floral character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, delta-damascone is a versatile component used in floral, fruity, and woody fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, long-lasting scent.

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: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved in Japan and China for flavor use, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals exist for both flavor and fragrance applications, though harmonized assumptions may vary by region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, delta-damascone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, but sensitization should be monitored, especially in leave-on products. Inhalation exposure is generally safe, though occupational settings should ensure adequate ventilation to mitigate any potential risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Delta-damascone is prized for its ability to impart a natural, fruity-floral character with minimal use. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-utilized in woody compositions, where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on delta-damascone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to long-term exposure studies.

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 2026-02-05 18:57:46 GMT (p2)