This section provides an overview of Methyl Cyclopentenolone (MCP, Cyclotene or Maple lactone ), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in food, beverage, flavour, and fragrance industries. Also, please check out the introduction to methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturers, supply chain issues, methyl cyclopentenolone suppliers, and methyl cyclopentenolone prices. Sinofi can help you buy methyl cyclopentenolone at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2700 and CAS 765˗70˗8.
Table of Contents
What is Methyl Cyclopentenolone?
Methyl cyclopentenolone occupies a distinguished position in the flavour and fragrance formulator’s palette of raw materials. Known commercially as cyclotene, maple lactone, or corylone, this cyclic ketone delivers a distinctive sweet, caramellic, and maple-like character that has made it indispensable across a wide range of flavour applications. Methyl cyclopentenolone features both a hydroxyl group and a ketone functionality within a five-membered ring system. This arrangement contributes to its reactivity and its ability to participate in Maillard-type reactions, which is relevant when considering its behaviour in thermally processed food systems. The compound demonstrates good solubility in ethanol, propylene glycol, and other common flavour and fragrance solvents, facilitating straightforward incorporation into typical formulation bases. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methyl cyclopentenolone is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, and food industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Methyl cyclopentenolone has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It is listed as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), holding FEMA number 2700. In the European Union, it is included in the Union list of flavouring substances under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 872/2012. These approvals reflect the extensive safety data accumulated over decades of use in the food industry. The fragrance standard of methyl cyclopentenolone has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Odour Threshold and Sensory Profile
From an organoleptic standpoint, methyl cyclopentenolone is prized for its rich, multifaceted aroma profile. At dilute concentrations, it presents a warm, sweet character reminiscent of maple syrup, caramel, and toasted bread. The compound also carries subtle undertones that have been described as nutty, coffee-like, and fenugreek-adjacent. Its odour threshold is notably low, meaning that even small additions can impart significant sensory impact in a finished flavour composition. Due to its unique odour, methyl cyclopentenolone, along with ethyl maltol, neotame, WS-23, and eucalyptol, is widely used in tobacco and e-liquid formulations.
The taste contribution mirrors the olfactory profile, offering sweetness enhancement and a rounded, brown-sugar quality that integrates well with other flavour components. This characteristic makes it particularly effective in applications where depth and complexity are desired without introducing overtly identifiable single-note flavours.
Natural Occurrence
Methyl cyclopentenolone is not merely a synthetic creation but occurs naturally in a variety of foods and food products. It has been identified in roasted coffee, maple syrup, bread crust, and various heat-treated foods where Maillard reactions have occurred. Its presence in these products contributes to the characteristic brown, caramelised notes associated with cooking and roasting processes. This natural occurrence supports its status as a nature-identical flavouring substance and underpins its regulatory acceptance in many jurisdictions.
CAS No.: 765˗70˗8
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of methyl cyclopentenolone is 765˗70˗8.
CAS Name: 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione
Molecular Formula: C6H8O2
Molecular Mass: 112.13
Appearance: White to light yellow crystalline powder
JECFA Number: 418
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Melting Point: 104.00 to 108.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 178.67 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and propylene glycol.
Other Names:
♦ 3-Methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione
♦ Methylcyclopentenolone (diketo
♦ 3-Methylcyclopentane-1,2-dione
♦ Methylcyclopentenolone
♦ Methyl-cyclopentenolone
♦ MCP
♦ Cyclotene
♦ Maple lactone
Methyl Cyclopentenolone Odour
Odour Strength: Medium, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less.
Substantivity: 16 hours at 100.00 %.
Odour Description: At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol, sweet caramel, maple sugar, coffee, and woody.
FEMA Number 2700
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of methyl cyclopentenolone is 2700.
Bulk Methyl Cyclopentenolone Manufacturers
The global production of methyl cyclopentenolone is heavily concentrated in China, which has emerged as the dominant manufacturing hub for this compound over the past two decades. Top methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturers like Symrise, Ernesto Ventos, and Lluch Essence stand as the most significant players in the methyl cyclopentenolone market. Chinese methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturers benefit from integrated chemical production infrastructure, competitive raw material access, and economies of scale that enable them to serve both domestic and international markets effectively.
Sinofi is a bulk methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of maple lactone. We supply high-quality methyl cyclopentenolone at bulk prices and serve the food, beverage, flavour, and fragrance industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Methyl Cyclopentenolone
Methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturing represents a mature area of industrial organic chemistry with multiple established synthetic routes. The furan-based hydrolysis and rearrangement pathway remains the dominant commercial process, benefiting from renewable feedstock availability and decades of process optimization.
Synthetic Route One: Furan-Based Synthesis
The most widely employed industrial synthesis of methyl cyclopentenolone proceeds through furan chemistry, specifically utilising 2-methylfuran or furfuryl alcohol derivatives as starting materials. This approach capitalises on the ready availability of furan compounds from agricultural waste streams, particularly from the processing of corn cobs, oat hulls, and sugar cane bagasse.
Synthetic Route Two: Mannich Reaction Pathway
An alternative manufacturing approach employs Mannich chemistry to construct the methyl cyclopentenolone framework. This route has been developed and patented by manufacturers, including Anhui Jinhe Industrial, and offers certain advantages in terms of raw material flexibility and process control.
Synthetic Route Three: Direct Cyclopentanedione Methylation
A conceptually simpler approach involves the direct methylation of 1,2-cyclopentanedione. This route is less commonly employed industrially but merits discussion for completeness.
Bulk Methyl Cyclopentenolone Suppliers
The methyl cyclopentenolone supply operates through distinct supplier categories, each serving different customer segments and procurement requirements. Top methyl cyclopentenolone suppliers like Ernesto Ventos, Symrise, and Lluch Essence produce methyl cyclopentenolone through chemical synthesis. China dominates the global methyl cyclopentenolone supply, with multiple manufacturers and trading companies serving both domestic and export markets. Several Chinese companies operate as both manufacturers and direct suppliers to international markets, eliminating intermediary margins and offering competitive pricing for bulk purchases.
Sinofi is a bulk methyl cyclopentenolone supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality maple lactone. We sell different grades of methyl cyclopentenolone at wholesale prices, serving end-users in the food, beverage, flavour, and fragrance industries.
Supply Chain of Methyl Cyclopentenolone
The methyl cyclopentenolone supply chain operates through a five-tier structure connecting agricultural feedstock producers and chemical suppliers with primary manufacturers, distributors, flavour and fragrance compounders, and ultimately end-product manufacturers serving diverse consumer markets.
Supply Chain Structure Overview
The methyl cyclopentenolone supply chain operates through a vertically organized structure comprising five principal tiers. Each tier performs distinct value-adding functions while maintaining interdependencies with adjacent tiers. The overall structure can be conceptualized as follows.
Raw Material Suppliers provide the foundational feedstocks required for synthesis, primarily furfural and related furan compounds derived from agricultural biomass, along with supporting chemicals including formaldehyde, amines, and process acids.
Primary Manufacturers convert raw materials into methyl cyclopentenolone through chemical synthesis processes, producing bulk quantities for commercial distribution.
Distributors and Trading Companies aggregate products from manufacturers, manage inventory, provide logistics services, and extend market reach to diverse customer segments across geographic regions.
Flavour and Fragrance Compounders incorporate methyl cyclopentenolone into proprietary flavour and fragrance formulations, creating value-added compositions for specific applications.
End-Product Manufacturers utilize compounded flavours and fragrances in consumer products spanning food and beverage, tobacco, personal care, household products, and other categories.
Wholesale and Buy Methyl Cyclopentenolone in Bulk
For methyl cyclopentenolone buyers, developing a strategic approach to methyl cyclopentenolone procurement delivers meaningful operational and financial benefits. By carefully qualifying suppliers, defining quality requirements, and negotiating favorable terms, organizations can secure reliable access to this essential ingredient while optimizing the total cost of ownership. As with any specialty chemical procurement, balancing cost considerations against quality assurance and supply security remains the foundation of effective wholesale purchasing.
Benefits of Bulk Purchasing
Procuring methyl cyclopentenolone in wholesale quantities offers several compelling advantages. First, bulk purchasing typically unlocks volume-based pricing discounts, reducing the per-kilogram cost compared to smaller orders. Second, maintaining adequate inventory buffers protects against supply disruptions, price volatility, and extended lead times that can affect specialty chemicals. Third, consolidated ordering reduces administrative overhead associated with frequent procurement cycles, shipping arrangements, and quality verification processes.
Key Considerations for Wholesale Procurement
When sourcing methyl cyclopentenolone in bulk, methyl cyclopentenolone buyers should evaluate several critical factors to ensure successful outcomes.
Supplier Qualification and Reliability
Partnering with reputable manufacturers or distributors is paramount. Prospective suppliers should demonstrate consistent production capacity, established quality management systems, and a track record of reliable delivery.
Product Quality and Specifications
Methyl cyclopentenolone is available in various purity grades, typically ranging from 98% to 99.5% or higher. Purchasing managers should clearly define specification requirements based on end-use applications and ensure suppliers can provide certificates of analysis with each shipment. For food and fragrance applications, confirming compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, including FDA, FEMA GRAS status, and EU flavour regulations, is essential.
As a bulk methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the food, beverage, flavour, and fragrance industries. We also supply maple lactone to small customers. Normally, they want to buy methyl cyclopentenolone in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell methyl cyclopentenolone at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Methyl Cyclopentenolone Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Methyl Cyclopentenolone Prices (GC Content >=98%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 7 USD | Express |
| 500g | 35 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 50 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The methyl cyclopentenolone pricing landscape exhibits significant stratification across grades, quantities, and supplier types. It currently trades at $35-75/kg for bulk food-grade quantities in North America and €30-80/kg in Europe. This regional differential reflects logistics costs, certification requirements, and margin structures rather than fundamental supply-demand imbalances. Food-grade bulk pricing of natural grade methyl cyclopentenolone ranges from $100-190/kg, commanding 50-100% premiums. Laboratory and specialty quantities command substantial premiums. Sigma-Aldrich prices food-grade MCP at approximately $160/kg for 1kg quantities, while smaller research quantities can exceed $500/kg equivalent.
Furthermore, the above methyl cyclopentenolone price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of maple lactone. However, the bulk wholesale prices of methyl cyclopentenolone will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Methyl Cyclopentenolone Specification
| Appearance | White to light yellow crystalline powder. |
| Odour: | Sweet caramel maple sugar coffee woody. |
| Purity (GC) | >=98% |
| Melting Point (°C) | 104.00 – 108.00 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
Methyl Cyclopentenolone Uses
Methyl cyclopentenolone represents a multifunctional ingredient whose unique sensory properties have secured its position across diverse applications.
Applications in Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage sector represents the primary commercial application for methyl cyclopentenolone, where it functions as a flavour enhancer and modifier recognized as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities.
Confectionery and Baked Goods
Methyl cyclopentenolone contributes warm, toasted, and caramelized notes that complement and enhance sweetness perception in candies, chocolates, cookies, cakes, and pastries. Its maple-like character proves particularly valuable in products where authentic maple flavouring is desired without the expense of natural maple extract.
Dairy Products
In ice cream, flavoured milk, yogurt, and cream-based desserts, methyl cyclopentenolone enhances creamy and indulgent sensory attributes. It works synergistically with vanilla, chocolate, and coffee flavours to create richer taste experiences while reducing the quantity of more expensive flavouring agents required.
Beverages
Coffee, cocoa-based drinks, and specialty beverages benefit from the compound’s ability to accentuate roasted and toasted characteristics. In coffee applications specifically, methyl cyclopentenolone reinforces the natural aromatic complexity associated with freshly brewed coffee while masking bitter or harsh notes.
Savory Applications
Beyond sweet applications, methyl cyclopentenolone finds use in savory flavour systems, particularly those requiring roasted meat, grilled, or smoky profiles.
Applications in Fragrance and Perfumery
The fragrance industry employs methyl cyclopentenolone extensively in both fine perfumery and functional fragrance applications.
Fine Fragrance
In perfume compositions, methyl cyclopentenolone serves as a key building block for gourmand and oriental fragrance families. Its sweet, edible quality contributes to accords designed to evoke associations with food, comfort, and warmth.
Personal Care Products
Shampoos, body washes, lotions, and cosmetics incorporate methyl cyclopentenolone to achieve appealing sweet and comforting scent profiles.
Household Products
Candles, air fresheners, fabric softeners, and cleaning products leverage methyl cyclopentenolone to deliver warm, inviting fragrances.
Applications in Tobacco Industry
Methyl cyclopentenolone has established applications in tobacco product manufacturing, where it functions as a casing and flavouring agent. The compound contributes sweet, maple, and caramel-like notes that modify and enhance the overall sensory experience of tobacco products. Its use helps achieve desired flavour profiles while potentially moderating harshness.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications
In pharmaceutical formulations, methyl cyclopentenolone occasionally serves as a flavouring agent to improve the palatability of oral medications, syrups, and chewable tablets. Its sweet, pleasant character helps mask bitter or unpleasant tastes associated with active pharmaceutical ingredients, thereby improving patient compliance.
Methyl Cyclopentenolone Benefits
Methyl cyclopentenolone delivers a compelling combination of sensory excellence, technical practicality, and commercial viability that explains its enduring importance across flavour and fragrance applications.
Sensory and Flavour Benefits
The primary appeal of methyl cyclopentenolone lies in its distinctive and desirable sensory characteristics, which translate into numerous formulation advantages.
Blending Versatility
Methyl cyclopentenolone exhibits excellent compatibility with a wide range of aromatic materials, enabling seamless integration into diverse fragrance compositions. It harmonizes particularly well with vanilla, tonka bean, sandalwood, and other warm base notes while also complementing fruit and floral accords.
Technical and Formulation Benefits
Beyond sensory contributions, methyl cyclopentenolone offers practical advantages that simplify formulation development and manufacturing processes.
Stability and Shelf Life
The compound demonstrates good stability under typical storage and processing conditions. This stability ensures consistent performance throughout product shelf life and reduces concerns about degradation that can affect more delicate flavouring or aromatic materials.
Low Usage Levels
Methyl cyclopentenolone delivers impact at relatively low concentrations, typically measured in parts per million for many applications. This potency means small quantities achieve desired effects, contributing to favorable economics and simplifying inventory management.
Formulation Compatibility
The compound maintains its characteristics across various product matrices, including aqueous, lipid-based, and emulsion systems. This compatibility provides formulators’ flexibility in product design without requiring extensive modification or specialized delivery systems.
Heat Stability
In applications involving thermal processing, such as baking or pasteurization, methyl cyclopentenolone retains its functional properties adequately. This heat tolerance enables use in products requiring elevated temperature manufacturing steps.
Methyl Cyclopentenolone in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Role in E-Liquid Flavour Development
Methyl cyclopentenolone serves multiple functions within e-liquid flavour systems, contributing both primary flavour notes and supporting roles that improve overall sensory experience.
Sweet and Dessert Profiles
The compound’s inherent maple, caramel, and brown sugar characteristics make it foundational to dessert-category e-liquids. Formulations featuring profiles such as maple syrup, butterscotch, toffee, caramel custard, and bakery items frequently incorporate methyl cyclopentenolone to achieve authentic taste replication. Its warm sweetness provides the indulgent quality that consumers expect from dessert-oriented vaping products.
Coffee and Beverage Flavours
E-liquids designed to replicate coffee, cappuccino, latte, and mocha experiences benefit substantially from methyl cyclopentenolone inclusion. The compound reinforces roasted, toasted notes while contributing the sweetness associated with flavoured coffee beverages. It helps bridge the gap between the aromatic complexity of actual coffee and the flavour perception achievable in vapor form.
Tobacco Blends
Within tobacco-flavoured e-liquid formulations, methyl cyclopentenolone contributes depth and smoothness that improve overall palatability. It can soften harsh edges in tobacco flavour profiles while adding subtle sweet undertones reminiscent of certain cured tobacco varieties. Many premium tobacco e-liquid lines incorporate the compound to achieve more refined and nuanced taste experiences.
Regulatory Landscape
The regulatory environment surrounding e-liquid ingredients, including flavouring compounds like methyl cyclopentenolone, continues to evolve across different jurisdictions.
United States: The Food and Drug Administration regulates e-cigarettes and e-liquids as tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. Manufacturers must submit premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) for products introduced after the applicable predicate date. Flavouring ingredients must be addressed within these submissions, and manufacturers should maintain thorough documentation of ingredient safety and sourcing.
European Union: The Tobacco Products Directive governs e-cigarette and e-liquid products within EU member states. While specific flavouring restrictions vary by country, the directive establishes notification requirements and quality standards that affect ingredient selection and documentation.
A Tobacco Flavouring with A Caramel-Sweet Aroma
Comprising a complex caramel-sweet flavour composition and a solvent (propylene glycol and ethanol in a mass ratio of 1:8).
Include the following ingredients (by weight):
Maltol, 1.05; Ethyl maltol, 1; Methyl cyclopentenolone, 3.5; Ethyl cyclopentenolone, 0.35; Caramel pentadione, 0.4; Furaneol, 2.5; Caramel dione, 0.15; Furfural acetone, 0.4; Ethyl furanone, 0.4; Maple furanone, 0.2; Caramel furanone, 0.1; Furaneol acetate, 0.8; Hydroxydihydromaltol, 0.03; 2-Acetylfuran, 0.15; the remaining solvent is added to bring the total to 100.
In conclusion, methyl cyclopentenolone represents a critical ingredient in the global flavour and fragrance supply chain. As a bulk methyl cyclopentenolone manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of methyl cyclopentenolone at wholesale prices to clients around the world.