FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cyclotene (CAS: 765-70-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Cyclotene, also known as maltol, is a single chemical compound with the IUPAC name 2H-Pyran-2-one, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-. It is identified by the CAS number 765-70-8. The FEMA number for cyclotene is 2360. Other identifiers include the FL number 07.008 and CoE number 129. Cyclotene has a molecular formula of C6H6O3 and a molecular weight of 126.11 g/mol. The compound features a pyranone ring with a hydroxyl group, contributing to its sweet, caramel-like odor, which is significant in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cyclotene is characterized by its sweet, caramel-like odor with nuances of maple and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity and good diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a warm, sweet background that enhances the perception of other sweet notes. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely reported, cyclotene is known for its potent sensory impact even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cyclotene naturally occurs in a variety of foods, including roasted coffee, chicory, and certain types of bread. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This reaction is responsible for the development of complex flavors and aromas in cooked foods. Cyclotene's presence in naturally derived flavors allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in regulatory terms.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cyclotene is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in sweet and bakery flavors such as caramel, maple, and chocolate. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing depth and richness to the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. Cyclotene is stable under typical food processing conditions, including heat and pH variations, but may be susceptible to oxidation over extended storage periods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, cyclotene is used in gourmand and sweet fragrance families, contributing to product types such as perfumes, body sprays, and lotions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, adding warmth and sweetness to the fragrance composition. Cyclotene is typically used at low concentrations, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, providing a lasting sweet character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, cyclotene is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for use in flavors. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 07.008. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, cyclotene is generally accepted in Japan and China, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR typically align with international standards, but local regulations should be verified.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cyclotene's safety profile is well-established for oral exposure, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically defined but considered safe at typical use levels. For dermal exposure, cyclotene is not known to cause irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines for fragrance use. Inhalation exposure is generally considered low risk due to its low volatility. Overall, cyclotene presents a low risk in both food and fragrance applications when used within recommended guidelines.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cyclotene is valued for its ability to enhance sweetness and add complexity to flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and warm notes, such as vanillin and ethyl maltol. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate a blend. Cyclotene is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add subtle sweetness and depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cyclotene is well-documented, with established sensory and regulatory profiles. Industry practices are generally consistent, though specific use levels may vary based on formulation goals. Some data gaps exist in precise sensory thresholds, but these do not significantly impact its application.

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 2026-07-09 18:17:40 GMT (p2)