cyclotene

Cyclotene, also known chemically as 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, is a diketone compound with the formula C₆H₈O₂. This molecule belongs to the class of methyl cyclopentenolone derivatives, recognized for its prominent caramellic sensory profile reminiscent of maple syrup, roasted nuts, and coffee. Synonyms such as methyl cyclopentenolone and maple lactone reflect its characteristic aroma and flavor contributions. Cyclotene appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid under standard conditions. The compound is derivable through synthetic routes or obtained naturally, often linked with roasted or caramelized food aromas. For chemical reference and further research, cyclotene is cataloged under PubChem CID 61209.

Cyclotene occurs naturally in various roasted and processed foods including almonds, barley, wheat bread, chicory root extract, cocoa, coffee, black currant buds, fenugreek, filbert nuts, roasted onions, peanuts, and in complex broths such as katsuobushi and sukiyaki. This distribution across edible plants and meats associates cyclotene with deep, roasted and sweet flavor notes in culinary applications. It finds extensive use as a flavor and fragrance agent, conferring caramel, maple, nutty, coffee, and bready nuances. The compound is regulated under FEMA (US) standards as a flavoring substance generally recognized as safe, with specified usage limits in various food categories to ensure consumer safety. Its versatile sensory qualities make it a functional ingredient in formulations aiming for butterscotch, vanilla, tobacco, hazelnut, and other warm aromatic profiles.

Physicochemically, cyclotene has a molecular weight near 112 g/mol and a melting range from approximately 104 to 108°C at standard atmospheric pressure (760 mmHg). Its vapor pressure is moderate, measured at about 0.978 mmHg at 25°C, indicating reasonable volatility supportive of aroma release in formulations. Cyclotene exhibits limited but appreciable solubility in solvents such as alcohol and propylene glycol, and is slightly soluble in water, which affects its behavior in aqueous versus non-aqueous systems. The estimated log P value around 0.26 suggests low lipophilicity, influencing its partitioning in biological and product matrices. With a flash point near 100°C (converted from approximately 212°F), the compound is relatively stable under typical handling conditions. Shelf life extends to at least 12 months when stored properly, allowing for practical use in commercial flavor and fragrance blends.

	3-methylcyclopentane-1,2-dione
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	765-70-8
Pubchem (cid):	61209
Pubchem (sid):	135018728

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
CHEMBL:	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	HMDB31543
FooDB:	FDB008153
YMDB (Yeast Metabolome Database):	YMDB01663
Export Tariff Code:	2914.29.5000
Typical G.C.
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
None - None found.
S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Human Experience:
3 % solution: no irritation or sensitization.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for cyclotene usage levels up to:
	3.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	13.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	11.00000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		8.00000	15.00000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	5.60000
fruit ices:		-	5.60000
gelatins / puddings:		-	14.00000
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	18.00000
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):765-70-8

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :61209

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:3

3-methylcyclopentane-1,2-dione

Chemidplus:0000765708