FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gamma-Butyrolactone (CAS: 96-48-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Gamma-butyrolactone, commonly abbreviated as GBL, is a colorless liquid with a weak characteristic odor. Its IUPAC name is dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one. The CAS number for gamma-butyrolactone is 96-48-0. It does not have a FEMA number as it is not typically used as a flavoring agent. Other identifiers include its molecular formula, C4H6O2, and a molecular weight of 86.09 g/mol. Gamma-butyrolactone is a lactone, which is a cyclic ester, and its structure is relevant to its odor profile, contributing to its mild, slightly sweet scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gamma-butyrolactone is characterized by a mild, slightly sweet odor with a hint of creaminess. It is not commonly used for its flavor or fragrance properties due to its relatively weak sensory impact. The taste and odor thresholds for gamma-butyrolactone are not well-documented, reflecting its limited use in sensory applications. Typically, it serves as a background note rather than a primary impact note in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gamma-butyrolactone is not widely found in nature but can be formed through the fermentation of certain carbohydrates. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic production methods. However, it can be a byproduct of the Maillard reaction, which occurs during the cooking and processing of foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Gamma-butyrolactone is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its limited sensory impact. When used, it may serve as a solvent or carrier rather than a flavoring agent. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, and it is generally not recognized as a flavoring substance by FEMA GRAS standards. Its stability under various conditions such as heat and pH is generally good, but it is prone to hydrolysis under acidic or basic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, gamma-butyrolactone is occasionally used as a solvent or diluent rather than a primary fragrance component. It does not belong to any specific fragrance family and is not typically used for its scent. Its volatility is moderate, and it does not contribute significantly to the top, middle, or base notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Gamma-butyrolactone is not explicitly approved as a flavoring agent in the United States under FDA or FEMA GRAS regulations. In the European Union, it is not listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavoring substances. The regulatory status in the United Kingdom post-Brexit aligns with the EU's stance. In Asia, including Japan and China, gamma-butyrolactone is not commonly used in food or fragrance applications. In Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, its use is similarly limited and not explicitly approved for flavor or fragrance purposes.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Gamma-butyrolactone is primarily a concern for its potential as a precursor to gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a controlled substance. Oral exposure to gamma-butyrolactone can lead to its conversion to GHB in the body, raising safety concerns. Dermal exposure is generally considered low risk, but inhalation exposure in occupational settings should be monitored due to its volatility. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications differ, with more stringent controls in place for potential ingestion.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gamma-butyrolactone is valued more for its solvent properties than its sensory attributes. It can enhance the solubility of other compounds in formulations. However, formulators should be cautious of its potential conversion to GHB and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. It is often under-used in fragrance applications due to its limited olfactory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on gamma-butyrolactone is well-established regarding its chemical properties and safety concerns. However, its use in flavor and fragrance applications is limited, leading to gaps in sensory and regulatory data. Industry practices often rely on its solvent properties rather than its sensory contributions.

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 (not applicable due to limited use)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)

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 2026-05-27 21:04:31 GMT (p2)