FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Damascenone (CAS: 23696-85-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Beta-damascenone
• IUPAC Name: (E)-1-(2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)but-2-en-1-one
• CAS Number: 23696-85-7
• FEMA Number: 3422
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O
• Molecular Weight: 190.28 g/mol

Beta-damascenone is a key aroma compound characterized by its potent odor profile. It belongs to the class of compounds known as norisoprenoids, which are derived from the degradation of carotenoids. The presence of a conjugated ketone group in its structure is crucial for its odor characteristics, contributing to its floral and fruity notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Beta-damascenone is renowned for its intense and complex aroma, often described as floral, fruity, and reminiscent of rose, apple, and tea. It is a high-impact aroma compound, meaning even at low concentrations, it can significantly influence the overall sensory profile of a product. The odor threshold of beta-damascenone is exceptionally low, often cited in the range of nanograms per liter in water, highlighting its potency. Its typical sensory role is as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Beta-damascenone naturally occurs in a variety of fruits and flowers, including grapes, apples, and roses. It is formed through the degradation of carotenoids, specifically via enzymatic and oxidative pathways. This compound is significant in the context of "natural flavor" designation, as it is often extracted from natural sources or synthesized to mimic its natural occurrence in food and fragrance products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Beta-damascenone is utilized across various flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and tea flavors. It serves as a critical component in flavor systems, providing an authentic and rich aroma profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are extremely low due to its high potency, often ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 ppm. It is stable under typical processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, beta-damascenone is valued for its ability to enhance floral and fruity notes. It is commonly used in fine fragrances, personal care products, and household items. Its functional role varies from providing trace realism to acting as a significant impact note. Concentration ranges in formulations are typically low, reflecting its high odor intensity. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 guidelines varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in countries like Brazil.

Beta-damascenone is widely accepted across major markets, with harmonized assumptions in place. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, beta-damascenone is considered safe at typical use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Beta-damascenone is prized for its ability to impart a natural and complex aroma profile. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing overall product appeal. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-utilized due to its high cost and potency, but when used judiciously, it can elevate a formulation significantly.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on beta-damascenone is well-established, with extensive research supporting its sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Overall, confidence in the available data is high, with minimal gaps noted.

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 08:07:03 GMT (p2)