waxy lactone

Waxy lactone, chemically known as 5-(3Z)-3-hexen-1-yldihydro-5-methyl-2(3H)-furanone, is a lactone with a molecular formula of C₁₁H₁₈O₂. It presents as a creamy, waxy compound exhibiting characteristic notes resembling jasmine, coconut, and buttery cookies. This compound belongs to the class of gamma-lactones and is catalogued with several synonyms such as cis-jasmone lactone. Waxy lactone is sourced or synthesized for use as a flavor and fragrance agent. More detailed chemical information can be found under its PubChem entry. Its natural occurrence and sensory features have made it valuable in perfumery and flavor formulation.

Waxy lactone occurs naturally or can be synthesized as a gamma-lactone associated with floral and creamy aromas. It is applicable as a flavor and fragrance ingredient contributing creamy, waxy, coconut, jasmine, and buttery notes. Its distinctive scent profile supports its use in enhancing complex flavors such as peach, apricot, chocolate, and gardenia in perfumery and foods. Regulatory bodies including FEMA (US) recognize it under number 3937 and restrict its use concentrations accordingly. IFRA (Global) sets standards limiting fragrance usage to a maximum of 5% concentration in fragrance concentrates. Its use extends to flavoring applications in baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and confectionery where creamy and tropical nuances are desired.

Waxy lactone is characterized by a molecular weight of approximately 182.26 g/mol and a chemical formula C₁₁H₁₈O₂. It presents a moderate logP around 2.5, suggesting moderate lipophilicity conducive to fragrance and flavor formulations. The compound has a flash point estimated around 102 °C (215 °F), indicating a relatively safe handling profile under typical use. Specific gravity ranges from 0.96 to 0.967 at 25 °C, and its refractive index varies between 1.463 and 1.468 at 20 °C, indicative of a dense, oily liquid. Vapor pressure is low (~0.004 mmHg at 25 °C), signifying limited volatility. It is soluble in alcohol and moderately soluble in water (approximately 215.6 mg/L at 25 °C). These properties influence its incorporation in various matrices, balancing persistence and volatility in fragrances and flavors.

(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
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	HMDB36191
FooDB:	FDB015045
Export Tariff Code:	2932.29.6000
ChemSpider:	View
EFSA Update of results on the monitoring of furan levels in food:	Read Report
EFSA Previous report: Results on the monitoring of furan levels in food:	Read Report
EFSA Report of the CONTAM Panel on provisional findings on furan in food:	Read Report

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/38 - Irritating to skin and eyes. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
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.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Chemical Toxicology. Vol. 30, Pg. 43S, 1992.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Chemical Toxicology. Vol. 30, Pg. 43S, 1992.
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 waxy lactone usage levels up to:
	5.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU):		100.00 (μg/capita/day)
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-USA):		13.00 (μg/capita/day)
Structure Class:		I
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: 19
Click here to view publication 19
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		10.00000	16.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		3.00000	6.00000
beverages(alcoholic):		4.00000	6.00000
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	-
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		3.00000	7.00000
fruit ices:		-	-
gelatins / puddings:		5.00000	10.00000
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		1.00000	11.00000
imitation dairy:		21.00000	175.00000
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		0.10000	0.10000
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		10.00000	17.00000
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reference(s):

Flavouring Group Evaluation 80 (FGE.80) - Consideration of alicyclic, alicyclic-fused and aromatic-fused ring lactones evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to a aromatic lactone evaluated by EFSA in FGE.27 (2008) View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 80, Revision 1 (FGE.80Rev1): Consideration of alicyclic, alicyclic-fused and aromatic-fused ring lactones evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to a aromatic lactone evaluated by EFSA in FGE.27 (2008) View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 96 (FGE.96): Consideration of 88 flavouring substances considered by EFSA for which EU production volumes / anticipated production volumes have been submitted on request by DG SANCO. Addendum to FGE. 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 61, 62, 63, 64, 68, 69, 70, 71, 73, 76, 77, 79, 80, 83, 84, 85 and 87. View page or View pdf

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):70851-61-5

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :11332852

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

5-[(Z)-hex-3-enyl]-5-methyloxolan-2-one

Chemidplus:0070851615