Description

Gamma-Nonalactone is a lactone, a type of cyclic ester known for its pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of coconut and tropical fruits. It is commonly used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products. Due to its appealing scent, it is also utilized in flavorings, particularly in the food and beverage industry.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Chemical Formula: C9H16O3
Molecular Weight: 156.23 g/mol
Structure: Gamma-Nonalactone has a lactone ring structure, which is a six-membered ring containing one oxygen atom and five carbon atoms. The lactone ring is part of a larger nonyl chain, contributing to its characteristic tropical aroma.

Physical Properties

Color: Typically colorless to light yellow.
Odor: Sweet, coconut-like, and fruity.
Texture: Liquid, with a consistency similar to other fragrance oils.
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and oils; limited solubility in water.

Production Process

Synthesis: Gamma-Nonalactone is synthesized through the lactonization of a suitable precursor compound. It can be produced from the hydrolysis of gamma-nonyl precursors or through esterification reactions.
Purification: The synthesized compound is purified using methods such as distillation or chromatography to achieve a high degree of purity suitable for fragrance and flavor formulations.
Formulation: The purified gamma-nonalactone is blended with other fragrance ingredients to create the desired scent profile for use in various products.

Applications

Gamma-Nonalactone is used in various applications, including:

Perfumery: Added to perfumes and colognes to impart a tropical, coconut-like aroma, enhancing the fragrance profile.
Cosmetics: Included in skincare and personal care products to provide a pleasant scent.
Flavorings: Utilized in the food and beverage industry to add tropical, coconut flavors to products such as candies, beverages, and baked goods.

Safety

Gamma-Nonalactone is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used as directed. It should be used within recommended concentrations to avoid potential irritation or allergic reactions. Individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should exercise caution.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Sustainable Practices: The production of gamma-nonalactone should follow sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to industry regulations and guidelines is essential to ensure the safety and quality of gamma-nonalactone in consumer products.
Safety Testing: Proper safety testing should be conducted to assess the potential effects of gamma-nonalactone in different formulations.

INCI


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: