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 registered under the CAS number 765-70-8. Cyclotene is recognized by FEMA with the number 2360. Its molecular formula is C6H6O3, and it has a molecular weight of 126.11 g/mol. The compound features a pyranone ring, which is crucial for its characteristic sweet, caramel-like odor. This functional group is significant in its interaction with olfactory receptors, contributing to its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cyclotene is renowned for its sweet, caramel-like odor with nuances of maple and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a warm, rich character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and realism to sweet profiles. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, cyclotene is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

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 extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in sweet and bakery categories such as caramel, chocolate, and maple flavors. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing a rich, sweet base note that complements other flavor components. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. Cyclotene is stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may degrade under extreme conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, cyclotene is utilized in gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding warmth and sweetness to compositions. Cyclotene is typically used in trace amounts, often less than 1% of the total fragrance composition, 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 flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned an FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, cyclotene is permitted in Japan and China, with specific use levels defined by local authorities. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR also allow its use, aligning with international standards.

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) set by regulatory bodies. It is considered safe for use in food flavors at typical concentrations. For dermal exposure, cyclotene is not known to cause irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines for fragrance use. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cyclotene is valued for its ability to impart a rich, sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, chocolate, and nutty notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate a composition. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cyclotene is robust, with well-documented sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-established, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the compound's use is supported by a strong foundation of scientific and industry knowledge.

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 2026-06-02 10:18:54 GMT (p2)