FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-beta-damascenone (CAS: 23726-93-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E)-beta-damascenone
- IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one
- CAS Number: 23726-93-4
- FEMA Number: 3422
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
- Molecular Formula: C13H18O
- Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol
(E)-beta-damascenone is a ketone with a conjugated double bond system, contributing to its potent odor profile. The structure-odor relationship is significant, as the presence of the enone group is crucial for its characteristic scent, often described as floral and fruity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E)-beta-damascenone is renowned for its powerful and complex aroma, characterized by floral, fruity, and rose-like notes. It is often described as having a sweet, berry-like scent with nuances of apple and tea. The compound is highly diffusive and impactful even at low concentrations, with an odor threshold reported to be as low as 0.002 ppb in air, making it a potent impact note in both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E)-beta-damascenone occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and flowers, including apples, blackcurrants, and roses. It is also found in certain wines, where it contributes to the complex bouquet. The compound can form through the degradation of carotenoids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits or fermentation of wine.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, (E)-beta-damascenone is used to enhance fruity and floral notes in products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as an impact note, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
(E)-beta-damascenone is a valuable component in the fragrance industry, used in floral and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of perfumes. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute significantly to the initial impression of a fragrance.
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 No. 07.008.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in certain 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-damascenone is considered safe at typical use levels, with an ADI not specifically established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use levels. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E)-beta-damascenone is prized for its ability to enhance and round out fruity and floral profiles. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, but care must be taken to avoid overpowering the blend due to its potency. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under extreme conditions and consider encapsulation or protective packaging to preserve its integrity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (E)-beta-damascenone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence and formation pathways may exist, necessitating further research in specific applications.
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 2026-04-07 13:47:19 GMT (p2)