gamma-Nonanolactone

γ-Nonalactone has a strong odor reminiscent of coconut and a fatty, peculiar taste. gamma-Nonanolactone occurs in many foods and is a pale yellow liquidwith a coconut-like aroma. It has numerous applications, similarly to those of "-octalactone, in aroma compositions and perfumery.Gamma-Nonalactone (5-Pentyloxolan-2-one) is a colorless to pale yellow clear oily liquid. It is found in bourbon whiskey, black currant berries, melon, papaya, pineapple, fresh blackberry, etc.
Liquid|colourless to slightly yellow liquid with a coconut-like odour
γ-Nonalactone has a strong odor reminiscent of coconut and a fatty, peculiar taste. May be synthesized by reacting methylacry- late and hexanol in the presence of ditertiarybutyl peroxide; by condensation of undecylenic acid and malonic acid; by lactonizα- tion of nonenoic acid.
γ-Nonanoic lactone is an oak lactone commonly found in wines aged in oak barrels. It is the main flavor component of coconut. γ-Nonanoic lactone is also a potential multi-species attractant lure for grain beetle pests.
Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. Mutation data reported. Combustible liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ALDEHYDES.