Angelica Lactone α – Technical & Sensory Overview
Updated: Oct 17
Executive Summary
Angelica Lactone α is a fruity, sweet, and herbal aroma compound with subtle anise-like nuances. It serves both as a single-note ingredient and as a modifier that smooths sharp accords in fragrance and flavor formulations. With its natural character and balanced volatility, it is suitable for fine fragrances, oral care, and certain food or beverage applications at low dosage levels.
What Is Angelica Lactone α? (Chemistry & Structure)
Chemical Name: 5-Methylfuran-2(3H)-one
Synonym: α-Angelica lactone
Molecular Formula: C₅H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 98.10 g/mol
Chemical Class: Lactone (furanone derivative)
Natural Status: Nature-identical (synthetic equivalent of a natural compound)
Key Identifiers & Compliance Snapshot
Parameter | Specification / Value |
CAS Number | 591-12-8 |
Purity (GC) | ≥ 98 % α-isomer (β ≤ 1 %) |
Flash Point | 74 °C |
Vapor Pressure (25 °C) | 52.30 Pa |
CLogP | 0.03 |
Appearance | Yellow, clear liquid |
Typical Use Level | < 1 % in formulations |
Sensory Profile & Performance
Olfactory Signature: Fruity, sweet, herbal, slightly anisic
Diffusion: Strong and diffusive, perceptible at low concentrations
Tenacity (on blotter): > 12 hours
Substantivity: • Skin – Good • Dry Fabric – Good • Wet Fabric – Good • Hair – Good
Stability & pH Dependence
Application Type | Typical pH | Stability |
Fine Fragrance | – | Good |
Fabric Softener | ~3 | Moderate |
Antiperspirant | ~3.5 | Moderate |
Cosmetics / Personal Care | ~6 | Moderate |
Liquid Detergent | ~9 | Moderate |
Soap | ~10 | Moderate |
Powder Detergent | ~11 | Moderate |
Strong Bleach | ~14 | Poor |
Recommendation: Avoid highly alkaline environments (pH > 10). Store in tightly sealed, light-protected containers. The use of antioxidants is recommended to minimize oxidation and maintain aroma integrity.
Applications & Typical Uses
Fragrance Applications
Fruity and herbal fragrance compositions
Modifier for sharp or citrus top notes
Enhancer in coffee, gourmand, or sweet blends
Flavor & Oral Care Applications
Mouthwash and oral care formulations for flavor smoothing
Coffee and confectionery flavor enhancement
Food use: Confirm the exact grade, authorised use and conditions for the intended food application and target market.
Formulation Strategy & Pairings
Role: Provides smoothness, warmth, and natural fruity sweetness.Pairs Well With: Citrus notes, herbal accords, coffee bases, fruity (peach, berry) and green nuances.
Formulation Tips:
Use at low dosage levels (< 1 %)
Maintain neutral to mildly acidic environments
Add antioxidants for improved stability
Blend with soft, balsamic, or moist bases to enhance roundness
Regulatory & Safety Overview
FEMA / GRAS Number: 3293
Fragrance use: Check the current IFRA Standards and supplier restriction information for the exact material and intended finished-product category.
Safety: Use the current SDS for the supplied grade to determine hazard classification, handling precautions and exposure controls.
Allergen status: Request a current supplier allergen declaration and assess finished-product labelling under applicable requirements, including EU Regulation 2023/1545 for cosmetics.
Analytical & Quality Control
Identification: GC analysis verifying α / β isomer ratio
Assay: ≥ 98 % α-isomer (β ≤ 1 %)
Monitoring: Evaluate oxidation and pH-related degradation
Purchasing Checklist
☑ Verify the supplied grade and ≥ 98 % purity on the COA; confirm food-use suitability for the intended application and market where relevant
☑ Review the current SDS, applicable IFRA restriction information and supplier allergen declaration
☑ Check stability and storage data
☑ Conduct pilot tests in intended base formulations
This article was researched and written by Galbora.
Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.
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