FlavScents AInsights Entry for Alpha-Damascenone (CAS: 35044-63-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Alpha-damascenone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one
• CAS Number: 35044-63-4
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O
• Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol

Alpha-damascenone is a key aroma compound characterized by its cyclohexenone structure, which contributes to its potent odor profile. The presence of the enone functional group is crucial for its distinctive scent, often described as floral and fruity with nuances of rose and apple. This compound is a significant contributor to the aroma of many natural products and is widely used in both flavor and fragrance industries.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Alpha-damascenone is renowned for its powerful and complex odor profile. It is primarily described as having a floral, rose-like scent with fruity undertones reminiscent of apple and plum. The compound is highly diffusive and possesses a strong impact even at low concentrations. Its odor threshold is exceptionally low, often cited in the range of nanograms per liter in air, making it a potent aroma compound. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, adding depth and realism to fruit and floral profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Alpha-damascenone is naturally found in a variety of plants and fruits, including roses, apples, blackcurrants, and grapes. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, specifically via enzymatic and oxidative pathways. This compound is often associated with the "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in many essential oils and fruit extracts. Its formation is influenced by factors such as plant variety, maturity, and processing conditions.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Alpha-damascenone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and floral categories. It enhances the authenticity and complexity of flavors in products such as beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, alpha-damascenone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, floral character to perfumes and personal care products. It is commonly used in rose and fruity fragrance families, serving as a trace realism enhancer or impact note. Typical concentrations in formulations are low, often below 0.1%, due to its high potency. Alpha-damascenone contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition, offering a long-lasting floral impression.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, alpha-damascenone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for use in food flavors. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, indicating its approved use in flavorings. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, while in Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Alpha-damascenone is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through food is well-tolerated, with no adverse effects reported at industry-standard concentrations. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. Overall, the risk profile is favorable across applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Alpha-damascenone is a valuable ingredient for its ability to enhance and round out floral and fruity profiles. It synergizes well with other floral compounds and can be used to mask undesirable notes in formulations. However, its high potency requires careful dosing to avoid overpowering the desired scent or flavor. Formulators should be mindful of its stability under various conditions and consider encapsulation techniques to preserve its integrity in heat-processed products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on alpha-damascenone is well-established, with extensive research supporting its sensory characteristics and safety profile. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in regulatory interpretations across regions. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory nuances.

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 2026-04-10 08:08:35 GMT (p2)