Gamma Decalactone, with the chemical name 4-Decanolide or 5-Hexyldihydro-2(3H)-furanone and also known as Decan-4-olide, is an important ingredient in the flavor and fragrance industry. This oily liquid ranges in color from colorless to very pale yellow and can be of both natural and synthetic origin. In nature, it occurs in many fruits such as peach, apricot, strawberry, and passion fruit, and it is also found in Osmanthus essential oil. Industrially, Gamma Decalactone is often produced via the thermal decomposition of ricinoleic acid derived from castor oil. It can also be produced through biotechnological microbial fermentation to carry a “natural” label for premium food and fragrance applications. Research and synthesis of lactones, including Gamma Decalactone, began in the early 20th century. Their emergence marked an important turning point in recreating realistic fruit flavors-especially stone fruits like peach and apricot, which are very difficult to obtain as natural essential oils.
Description
Belonging to the fruity and gourmand (food-like) odor family, Gamma Decalactone performs from the heart into the base. Its characteristic scent blends ripe peach skin, apricot, creamy coconut flesh, and a waxy nuance. Compared with Gamma Undecalactone or Aldehyde C-14-often associated with a classic “artificial peach” profile-Gamma Decalactone feels more natural, less sharply sweet, and shows a clearer fatty-waxy pulp effect closer to real fruit. With fairly strong intensity and good diffusion, its stable lactone structure gives it excellent longevity and it can remain on a blotter for days.
In formulation, it is a key material for building peach, apricot, and coconut notes. It also helps thicken the scent of white florals such as tuberose and jasmine, and especially osmanthus, while adding a creamy “milky” effect to food accords. When blended with Osmanthus Absolute, it boosts the natural apricot/peach facets already present in osmanthus. Paired with ionones, it yields a classic powdery fruity effect. Combined with butyrate esters, it can push toward tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit. Because it is strong and persistent, it is often used neat or pre-diluted in DPG or ethanol for easier dosage control.
Applications
Gamma Decalactone is broadly versatile. In perfumery, it is common in Floral Fruity, Gourmand, and Fruity Chypre styles. Food applications are major, where it is used to create peach, apricot, and coconut flavors for beverages, yogurt, and confectionery. In cosmetics, it appears in peach- or strawberry-scented lip products and body creams. For scented candles, it gives a warm, sweet profile with good throw.
On safety: Gamma Decalactone is generally regarded as GRAS, is considered low in skin irritation potential, and currently does not have a specific IFRA concentration restriction based on toxicity or allergenicity. Typical usage in fine fragrance often ranges from 0.5% to 5%, and can be higher in fruit-focused accords. For storage, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct light and high heat to minimize oxidation-related odor shifts, even though lactones are relatively stable.
In the market, it appears (often as part of lactone complexes) in many well-known products-such as Gucci Rush with its modern creamy peach facet, Lancôme Trésor combining rose with peach/apricot smoothness, and Tom Ford Bitter Peach using a strong peach-building palette. Finally, perfumery author Steffen Arctander mentioned this material under entry #857 in Volume 1 of Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Under the name Gamma-Decalactone, he noted a powerful fruity odor reminiscent of peach with a slightly musky tone; when diluted, it becomes more pleasant, more distinctly fruity, and less musky. He also stated it is used in perfumes built around heavier floral ranges such as gardenia, tuberose, and acacia, and that it frequently appears in artificial peach, apricot, coconut, and even citrus complexes.
All orders will be processed within 1-2 business days from the time the order is confirmed.
Free shipping is available for orders valued at $500 or more.
Delivery time is 1-3 business days for local areas, 3-7 days for suburban and nationwide deliveries, and 1-4 weeks for international orders.
You have 30 days from the date of receipt to initiate the return process.
