This section provides an overview of gamma-octalactone (γ-octalactone), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in food, beverage, cosmetic, flavour, and fragrance industries. Also, please check out the introduction to gamma-octalactone manufacturers, supply chain issues, gamma-octalactone suppliers, and gamma-octalactone prices. Sinofi can help you buy gamma-octalactone at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2796 and CAS 104-50-7.
Table of Contents
What is Gamma-Octalactone?
Gamma-octalactone, also named γ-octalactone, is a lactone compound that plays a significant role in the flavour and fragrance industry. It is prized for its distinctive creamy, coconut-like aroma with sweet, peachy undertones. Gamma-octalactone features a five-membered ring structure (gamma-lactone) with a butyl side chain, which contributes to its unique sensory characteristics. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), gamma-octalactone is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Gamma-octalactone has been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by flavour industry regulatory bodies when used within appropriate limits. It is approved for use in foods by the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) with FEMA number 2796. As with all flavouring ingredients, formulation engineers should consult current regulatory guidelines in their specific markets, as regulations may vary by region. Typical usage levels for gamma-octalactone range from 0.5 to 50 ppm, depending on the application and desired intensity. The fragrance standard of gamma-octalactone has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Natural Occurrence
Gamma-octalactone occurs naturally in various foods and beverages. It has been identified in coconut products, peaches, apricots, strawberries, and dairy products. The compound is also found in aged spirits and wines, where it contributes to the complexity of the flavour profile. This natural occurrence provides formulation engineers with the opportunity to recreate authentic tastes using nature-identical or synthetic versions of the compound.
Sensory Profile and Flavour Characteristics
The most notable characteristic of gamma-octalactone is its rich, creamy coconut aroma with nuances of peach and apricot. At lower concentrations, it imparts a sweet, milky character reminiscent of coconut milk or cream. At higher concentrations, the fruity stone-fruit notes become more pronounced. This versatile sensory profile makes it valuable across multiple flavour categories.
CAS No.: 104-50-7
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of gamma-octalactone is 104-50-7.
CAS Name: γ-Octalactone
Molecular Formula: C8H14O2
Molecular Mass: 142.20
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 226
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 234.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water.
Other Names:
♦ gamma-Octalactone
♦γ-Octalactone
♦γ-Butyl-γ-butyrolactone
♦γ-Butylbutyrolactone
♦ 4-Butyl-γ-butyrolactone
♦ 4-Hydroxyoctanoic acid lactone
♦γ-Octanolactone
♦ 4-Octanolide
♦γ-Caprylolactone
Gamma-Octalactone Odor
Odor Strength: Medium, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less
Substantivity:144 hours at 100.00 %
Odor Description: At 10.00 %, sweet, coconut, fruity odour.
FEMA Number 2796
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of gamma-octalactone is 2796.
Bulk Gamma-Octalactone Manufacturers
The bulk gamma-octalactone manufacturing sector comprises both multinational corporations with extensive portfolios and specialized chemical producers focused on lactone compounds. Top gamma-octalactone manufacturers like Lluch Essence and Bedoukian Research represent the primary production source for synthetic gamma-octalactone. These facilities leverage economies of scale to offer competitive pricing on metric-ton quantities, making them suitable partners for high-volume industrial users. Asian manufacturers, particularly those based in China, have expanded their production capacity significantly over recent decades. These facilities often offer competitive pricing structures due to lower operational costs and economies of scale. Chinese manufacturers have invested substantially in production technology and quality assurance systems to meet international standards, making them increasingly viable suppliers for global buyers. European manufacturers maintain a strong presence in the gamma-octalactone market, supported by advanced chemical synthesis capabilities and stringent quality control systems. Companies in this region often emphasize compliance with European food safety regulations and REACH standards, which can be particularly valuable for customers serving the European market. Switzerland, Germany, and France host several prominent producers who supply both domestic and international markets. North American production remains somewhat limited compared to European and Asian capacity, though several specialty chemical manufacturers maintain gamma-octalactone production lines.
Sinofi is a bulk gamma-octalactone manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of gamma-octalactone. We supply high-quality gamma-octalactone at bulk prices and serve the food, beverage, cosmetic, flavour, and fragrance industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Gamma-Octalactone
Gamma-octalactone manufacturing represents a well-established chemical process that combines fundamental organic synthesis principles with practical considerations of industrial-scale production.
Primary Synthetic Routes
Commercial gamma-octalactone production predominantly relies on synthetic chemistry rather than isolation from natural sources, given the economic and practical constraints associated with natural extraction. Several synthetic approaches have been developed and implemented at manufacturing scale, each offering distinct advantages regarding yield, selectivity, and process economics.
The most widely employed industrial synthesis involves the cyclization of 5-hydroxyloctanoic acid or its derivatives. This approach begins with the preparation of the hydroxy acid precursor through various routes, followed by intramolecular esterification to form the lactone ring. The hydroxyl group at the gamma position undergoes nucleophilic attack on the carboxylic acid functionality, eliminating water and forming the cyclic ester. This lactonization reaction proceeds efficiently under appropriate catalytic conditions, making it attractive for large-scale manufacturing.
An alternative synthetic strategy utilizes the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of 2-butylcyclopentanone. This approach involves treating the cyclic ketone with a peracid, typically peracetic acid or meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, which inserts an oxygen atom adjacent to the carbonyl group. The reaction proceeds through a Crittenden intermediate, ultimately yielding the lactone product. While this route offers good selectivity, the handling requirements for peracids and the need for careful temperature control during exothermic oxidation present practical challenges that must be managed in manufacturing operations.
Some manufacturers have explored routes based on the hydrogenation of unsaturated lactone precursors or the oxidation of cyclic ethers, though these approaches remain less common in commercial practice. The choice of synthetic route depends on multiple factors, including raw material availability, capital equipment requirements, operational safety considerations, and the desired production scale.
Bulk Gamma-Octalactone Suppliers
The bulk gamma-octalactone supply comprises several distinct categories of suppliers, each offering different value propositions to buyers. Top gamma-octalactone suppliers like Lluch Essence and Bedoukian Research represent one segment, typically offering highly consistent quality, extensive regulatory documentation, and robust supply chain capabilities. They generally serve major food and beverage corporations, multinational fragrance houses, and large-scale manufacturers requiring guaranteed supply continuity and comprehensive technical support. Regional gamma-octalactone suppliers may offer greater flexibility in order quantities and delivery schedules, making them attractive partners for mid-sized manufacturers and companies with variable demand patterns. China has emerged as a dominant distribution hub, offering competitive pricing and stable availability. Chinese gamma-octalactone suppliers serve both domestic demand and export markets, with varying levels of quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Buyers sourcing from Chinese manufacturers should conduct thorough due diligence regarding production standards, analytical capabilities, and documentation practices.
European suppliers, particularly those based in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, maintain strong positions in the market through emphasis on quality, regulatory compliance, and technical expertise.
Sinofi is a bulk gamma-octalactone supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality gamma-octalactone. We sell different grades of gamma-octalactone at wholesale prices, serving end-users in the food, beverage, cosmetic, flavour, and fragrance industries.
Supply Chain of Gamma-Octalactone
The gamma-octalactone supply chain represents a complex network spanning raw material suppliers, chemical manufacturers, distributors, and end-users across the food, beverage, fragrance, and personal care industries.
Supply Chain Structure Overview
The gamma-octalactone supply chain follows a multi-tiered structure characteristic of specialty chemical markets. The chain begins with raw material suppliers providing petrochemical feedstocks or biological substrates.
Raw Material Suppliers and Feedstock Provision
The foundation of the gamma-octalactone supply chain rests upon raw material suppliers who provide the chemical building blocks necessary for production. For synthetic production routes, this tier comprises petrochemical refineries and chemical intermediates manufacturers who produce compounds such as octanoic acid, caprylic acid, or other eight-carbon precursors.
Primary Manufacturers and Production Facilities
Primary manufacturers represent the core transformation stage where raw materials are converted into gamma-octalactone through chemical synthesis or fermentation processes. This tier comprises specialized chemical companies, large diversified chemical corporations with flavour and fragrance divisions, and emerging biotechnology companies focused on biosynthetic production.
Distributors, Formulators, and Intermediaries
The third tier encompasses distributors and formulators who bridge the gap between primary manufacturers and end-users. This intermediary layer serves critical functions, including inventory management, market-making, technical support, and formulation development. Distributors procure gamma-octalactone from multiple manufacturers, maintain strategic inventory positions, and supply smaller customers who cannot meet the minimum order quantities required by primary producers.
End-Users and Product Manufacturers
The final tier comprises manufacturers who incorporate gamma-octalactone into finished products across diverse industries. The food and beverage sector represents a major end-use category, with manufacturers producing baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, beverages, and processed foods that utilize gamma-octalactone as a flavouring ingredient.
Wholesale and Buy Gamma-Octalactone in Bulk
Successful bulk procurement of gamma-octalactone requires a comprehensive approach encompassing quality assurance, supplier relationship management, cost optimization, and risk mitigation. Developing strong supplier relationships based on mutual transparency and clear expectations creates value beyond transactional price negotiation. Implementing robust quality systems and risk management procedures protects production operations and end product integrity. Gamma-octalactone buyers should stay informed about market dynamics, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies positions and make strategic decisions that support both operational requirements and broader organizational objectives.
Understanding Your Requirements
Before initiating the procurement process, establishing clear specifications is fundamental. Gamma-octalactone is available in various grades, and your selection must align with your end-use applications. Food-grade material requires compliance with regulatory standards, including FEMA GRAS status and relevant food safety certifications. Cosmetic-grade gamma-octalactone must meet different purity specifications and may require additional safety assessments. Industrial applications might accept lower purity levels, potentially offering cost advantages.
The distinction between synthetic and natural gamma-octalactone carries significant implications. Natural variants command premium pricing, often two to three times higher than synthetic alternatives, but may be essential for products marketed with natural claims. Understanding your downstream customer requirements and labeling commitments is crucial before committing to either category.
Volume requirements directly influence your negotiating position and supplier options. Typical bulk quantities of gamma-octalactone begin at 25 kilograms, with increasingly favorable pricing at 100 kilograms, 500 kilograms, and metric ton levels. Your consumption forecasts should account for shelf-life considerations, as gamma-octalactone typically maintains stability for 12 to 24 months under proper storage conditions.
Supplier Evaluation and Selection
Identifying qualified gamma-octalactone suppliers requires a comprehensive evaluation across multiple dimensions. Direct manufacturers offer potential cost advantages and greater supply security, but may impose minimum order quantities that strain working capital. Established gamma-octalactone distributors provide flexibility and often maintain inventory for faster delivery, though at a price premium. Specialty flavour and fragrance houses can supply gamma-octalactone as part of broader ingredient portfolios, which may facilitate consolidated shipping and relationship development.
Quality Assurance and Technical Specifications
Establishing clear quality specifications prevents costly disputes and production disruptions. Purity levels represent the primary specification, with food-grade applications typically requiring a minimum 98 percent purity, while industrial uses may accept 95 percent or lower. Organoleptic characteristics, including the characteristic coconut-peach aroma profile, must remain consistent across batches, as variations can impact finished product quality.
As a bulk gamma-octalactone manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the food, beverage, cosmetic, flavour, and fragrance industries. We also supply it to small customers. Normally, they want to buy gamma-octalactone in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell gamma-octalactone at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Gamma-Octalactone Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Gamma-Octalactone Prices (GC Content >=98.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 50 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 72 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Gamma-octalactone exhibits significant price variability driven by production methods, regional market dynamics, and application-specific quality requirements. The gamma-octalactone market demonstrates a clear bifurcation in pricing between synthetic and natural variants, reflecting fundamental differences in production economics and market positioning. Synthetic gamma-octalactone, produced through chemical synthesis from petrochemical feedstocks, currently commands prices ranging from $45 to $85 per kilogram in bulk quantities for food-grade material. Natural gamma-octalactone occupies a distinctly premium pricing tier, with market prices ranging from $120 to $250 per kilogram depending on sourcing method, certification, and volume. The substantial price differential between synthetic and natural variants, often representing a multiple of two to four times, reflects both higher production costs and the significant market value placed on natural designation by end consumers.
Within these broad ranges, specific pricing depends heavily on transaction characteristics. Purchase volumes substantially influence unit pricing, with orders below 25 kilograms often carrying premiums of 20 to 40 percent above bulk rates. Quantities exceeding 500 kilograms typically access preferential pricing tiers, while metric ton purchases can secure discounts approaching 15 to 25 percent from standard rates.
Furthermore, the above gamma-octalactone price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the value of the gamma-octalactone sample. However, the bulk wholesale prices of gamma-octalactone will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Gamma-Octalactone Specification
| Appearance: | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Sweet, coconut, fruity odour. |
| Purity (GC) | >=98% |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.443-1.447 |
| Specific Gravity (25°C) | 0.970-0.980 |
| Acid Value (mgKOH/g) | <=6.0 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Gamma-Octalactone Uses
Gamma-octalactone demonstrates remarkable versatility across food, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. Its distinctive coconut-peach aroma profile, combined with favorable technical properties including thermal stability, chemical stability, and concentration efficiency, enables effective performance in diverse formulation contexts.
Food and Beverage Applications
The food and beverage industry represents the largest consumption segment for γ-octalactone, utilizing the compound as a flavouring agent to impart desirable taste and aroma characteristics to finished products. The compound’s primary organoleptic contribution centers on its coconut-like flavour profile, which makes it particularly valuable in dairy applications. Ice cream formulations frequently incorporate γ-octalactone to enhance and intensify coconut flavours, often in combination with other tropical notes. The compound’s creamy character complements dairy matrices exceptionally well, supporting its use in yogurt products, cream-based desserts, and milk-based beverages where smooth, indulgent flavour profiles align with product positioning.
Bakery and confectionery applications leverage γ-octalactone’s ability to survive thermal processing while contributing desired flavour notes to finished goods. Coconut-flavoured cookies, cakes, and pastries commonly incorporate the compound to deliver an authentic tropical character. The material demonstrates stability during baking processes, maintaining organoleptic integrity at temperatures typically encountered in commercial baking operations. Confectionery manufacturers utilize γ-octalactone in coconut-flavoured candies, chocolates, and filled products where the compound’s flavour intensity allows effective performance at low inclusion rates, typically ranging from five to fifty parts per million depending on the specific application and desired intensity.
Beverage applications span both alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories. Tropical fruit drinks, coconut water products, and exotic fruit juice blends incorporate γ-octalactone to enhance authentic flavour profiles or create distinctive taste experiences. The compound’s solubility characteristics enable straightforward incorporation into beverage systems, whether aqueous or containing alcohol. Cocktail mixers and flavoured alcoholic beverages utilize the material to deliver piña colada character or complement rum-based formulations where coconut notes provide traditional flavour associations.
Fragrance and Cosmetic Applications
The fragrance industry utilizes γ-octalactone extensively as a component in both fine fragrances and functional fragrance applications. In fine perfumery, the compound contributes to tropical and exotic fragrance compositions, often appearing in middle to base note positions where its creamy, lactonic character provides body and warmth to fragrance structures. Perfumers value γ-octalactone for its ability to add milky, coconut facets to floral compositions, particularly in white floral accords where the creamy aspect complements jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia notes. The compound also appears in gourmand fragrances, which emphasize edible, dessert-like characteristics, where its coconut-peach profile enhances sweet, indulgent scent experiences.
Personal care products across multiple categories incorporate γ-octalactone to deliver pleasant sensory experiences. Shampoos and conditioners frequently feature the compound in formulations targeting tropical or exotic positioning, where coconut associations align with consumer expectations for these product types. The material’s stability in surfactant systems and compatibility with typical hair care ingredients enable effective performance without formulation challenges.
Cosmetic color products, including lipsticks, lip glosses, and other decorative items, sometimes incorporate γ-octalactone to mask unpleasant base material odors or provide pleasant scent experiences during product application. The compound’s low volatility ensures fragrance persistence throughout product shelf life, while its safety profile supports use in leave-on cosmetic applications subject to stringent safety requirements.
Home fragrance applications represent an additional market segment where γ-octalactone contributes to scented candles, room sprays, and air fresheners. The compound’s ability to deliver recognizable coconut character at relatively low cost compared to natural essential oils makes it economically attractive for these applications.
Pharmaceutical Applications
The pharmaceutical industry utilizes gamma-octalactone primarily as a flavouring agent to improve the palatability of oral medications, supplements, and nutritional products. Pediatric formulations represent a particularly important application segment, as children’s medications require careful attention to taste and aroma to ensure patient compliance. The compound’s ability to mask bitter or unpleasant active pharmaceutical ingredient tastes while contributing pleasant coconut notes makes it valuable in liquid suspensions, chewable tablets, and flavoured syrups designed for pediatric administration.
Gamma-Octalactone Benefits
Gamma-octalactone stands as a highly valued aromatic compound within the global flavour and fragrance industry, offering substantial benefits that extend across multiple dimensions of product development, manufacturing efficiency, and consumer appeal.
Organoleptic and Sensory Benefits
The primary benefit of γ-octalactone lies in its exceptional organoleptic properties, which deliver highly desirable sensory characteristics to finished products. The compound provides an authentic, creamy coconut flavour note with subtle peachy undertones that consumers universally recognize and appreciate. This aromatic profile carries strong positive associations with tropical experiences, indulgence, and natural ingredients, making it strategically valuable for products seeking to evoke these sensory and emotional responses.
The intensity and clarity of γ-octalactone’s flavour contribution allow formulators to achieve desired sensory targets with remarkable precision. Unlike some flavouring compounds that deliver muddy or indistinct notes, γ-octalactone provides a clean, well-defined coconut character that reads clearly to consumers without confusion or ambiguity.
Technical and Formulation Benefits
From a technical perspective, γ-octalactone offers numerous advantages that simplify formulation development and enhance manufacturing reliability. The compound demonstrates excellent thermal stability within temperature ranges encountered in typical food processing operations. This stability allows incorporation into products requiring pasteurization, retorting, or baking without significant flavour loss or degradation. Formulators can confidently specify γ-octalactone in thermally processed products, knowing the intended flavour contribution will survive manufacturing and deliver consistent performance in finished goods.
The compound’s chemical stability under normal storage conditions ensures extended shelf life and consistent product performance throughout distribution and consumer use. Γ-octalactone resists oxidation better than many unsaturated flavour compounds, reducing the risk of off-flavour development during storage. This stability minimizes reformulation requirements and reduces the need for extensive antioxidant systems to protect flavour integrity, simplifying ingredient declarations and potentially supporting clean-label objectives.
Gamma-octalactone exhibits favorable solubility characteristics that accommodate diverse formulation matrices. While only slightly soluble in water, the compound readily dissolves in alcohols, oils, and propylene glycol, which are common solvents in flavour and fragrance formulations. This solubility profile enables straightforward incorporation into both aqueous and lipophilic systems through appropriate formulation techniques. Emulsification or solubilization approaches effectively distribute γ-octalactone in water-based products, while direct dissolution works efficiently in oil-based or alcoholic applications.
Gamma-Octalactone in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Gamma-octalactone has emerged as a flavouring compound of interest within the electronic cigarette and vaping product industry, where its coconut-peach aromatic profile contributes to the diverse flavour offerings that have characterized this market segment.
Background on Vaping Products and Flavouring Agents
The vaping industry has historically emphasized flavour diversity as a key product attribute, with manufacturers offering hundreds or thousands of distinct flavour profiles ranging from tobacco and menthol to fruits, desserts, beverages, and other categories. Flavouring compounds, including γ-octalactone, entered vaping formulations as manufacturers sought to replicate popular taste experiences and differentiate products in competitive markets. The coconut flavour profile delivered by γ-octalactone aligned with consumer preferences for tropical and dessert-inspired e-liquid flavours, leading to its incorporation in various commercial formulations.
Current Market Context and Regulatory Environment
The regulatory landscape for flavoured vaping products has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, driven by concerns about youth vaping rates and health risks associated with e-cigarette use. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has implemented increasingly restrictive policies regarding flavoured e-cigarettes, culminating in enforcement priorities that effectively ban most flavoured cartridge-based products except tobacco and menthol flavours. These restrictions specifically target flavours appealing to youth, a category that would encompass coconut and tropical flavour profiles delivered by compounds such as γ-octalactone.
Many state and local jurisdictions have implemented their own flavour restrictions that exceed federal requirements, with some localities banning all flavoured vaping products, including menthol variants. These policies directly impact the market viability of e-liquids incorporating γ-octalactone and similar flavouring agents.
International regulatory approaches vary substantially across jurisdictions. The European Union has implemented restrictions on certain aspects of e-cigarette marketing and composition through the Tobacco Products Directive, though flavoured products generally remain available subject to specific requirements.
Technical Considerations in E-Liquid Formulation
From a formulation perspective, γ-octalactone presents both opportunities and challenges in e-liquid development. The compound’s solubility in propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, the primary carrier solvents in e-liquid formulations, enables straightforward incorporation into vaping products. This compatibility allows formulators to achieve desired flavour intensities through controlled addition of γ-octalactone at concentrations typically ranging from a few tenths of a percent to several percent of the total formulation, depending on target sensory profiles.
The compound’s volatility characteristics influence its performance in vaping applications. Gamma-octalactone’s boiling point and vapor pressure determine how readily it vaporizes at typical e-cigarette operating temperatures, which generally range from 200 to 300 degrees Celsius, depending on device settings and coil configurations.
A Coffee Flavouring containing Coffee Oil
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Methyl cyclopentenolone, 1.5 parts; ethyl maltol, 1.6 parts; furaneol, 0.05 parts; furfuryl mercaptan, 0.02 parts; 2-acetylpyrazine, 0.10 parts; 2-acetylpyridine, 0.10 parts; vanillin, 0.6 parts; gamma-octalactone, 0.7 parts; gamma-hexalactone, 0.8 parts; 5-methylfurfural, 0.2 parts; coffee oil, 48 parts; 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 0.02 parts; 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 0.03 parts; and, add caprylic/capric glyceride to 100 parts.
In conclusion, gamma-octalactone delivers comprehensive benefits spanning sensory performance, technical functionality, economic value, consumer appeal, regulatory acceptance, and sustainability considerations. As a bulk gamma-octalactone manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of gamma-octalactone at wholesale prices to clients around the world.