Gamma-Nonalactone (CAS 104-61-0) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Gamma-Nonalactone
CAS 104-61-0
What Is Gamma-Nonalactone?
Gamma-Nonalactone is a sweet, creamy aroma compound found naturally in fruits like coconut and peach. You’ll encounter it in tropical-flavored foods, suntan lotions, and fruity perfumes. This ingredient matters because it creates authentic creamy-coconut effects without being overpowering, making it essential for beachy summer fragrances and desserts.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Gamma-Nonalactone Smell Like?
Gamma-Nonalactone bursts with an intense, mouthwatering coconut cream note – imagine fresh coconut meat blended with condensed milk. The initial impression is sweet and slightly waxy, evolving into a rich, lactonic heart reminiscent of suntan oil on warm skin. As it dries down, it reveals a subtle musky undertone that prevents cloying sweetness. Unlike simpler coconut notes, this molecule has depth – like coconut milk simmered with vanilla bean.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the photorealistic coconut core that makes this tropical masterpiece smell like expensive sunscreen on sun-kissed skin.
Gamma-Nonalactone creates the suntan lotion accord that transports wearers to sandy shores.
Used alongside white florals to craft the luxurious coconut cream effect that defines this solar fragrance.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCC1CCC(=O)O1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Gamma-Nonalactone belongs to the gamma-lactone family, cyclic esters with five-membered rings containing an oxygen atom. Naturally occurring in coconut, peach, and milk products, it’s synthesized through esterification of gamma-hydroxy acids or via oxidation of cyclic ketones. The gamma position creates its characteristic creamy-lactonic odor profile distinct from delta-lactones.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 243 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.967 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >110 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Coconut core |
| Body Care | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Suntan products |
| Food Flavors | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Coconut flavors |
Classic Accords
+ Lime + Rum = Piña Colada
+ Tiare Flower = Tahitian Sunset
Tip: Combine with ethyl maltol to boost creamy aspects without increasing sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Peachier alternative when a fruitier lactonic effect is desired.
For more woody-coconut effects in masculine fragrances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current exposure levels.
Sustainability
Most gamma-Nonalactone is synthesized from petrochemical precursors, though some is extracted as a byproduct of coconut oil processing. The synthetic route is preferred for consistency and reduces agricultural land use compared to natural extraction.
Explore Gamma-Nonalactone
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. Book reference
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 104-61-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 156.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 134 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Flash Point | 126 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.091💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCCCCC1CCC(=O)O1🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | coconutpeach• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esterether💻 RDKit |
| g-Nonalactone has a strong odor reminiscent of coconut and a fatty, peculiar taste.📖 Fenaroli | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.1357 ppm (n=18)📖 van Gemert |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0034229
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 156.225 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.965 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 270.2 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -9.555 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 107.917 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.444 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 163.349 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.5 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.493 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.493 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.87 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.014 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.025 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.273 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 30.659 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 43.408 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 17.208 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
