(Gamma)-Undecalactone is a synthetic flavoring agent that is a
colorless to yellow liquid of strong peach fruit odor. it is unstable to
alkali and stable to weak organic acids. it should be stored in glass or
tin containers. it is used in flavors for its peach note and has applica-
tion in gelatins, puddings, beverages, ice cream, and candy at
7–11 ppm.
ChEBI: Xi-gamma-Undecalactone is a lactone.
Gamma-Undecalactone is widely used in perfume compositions. Gamma-Undecalactone blends excellently with Nonalactone in Gardenia and Tuberose and in many versions of Lilac bases. It extends the depth of an Orange blossom, which is often too harsh with conventional materials, and it is a frequent component of Honeysuckle, etc. Concentrations far below 1 % are effective, and it is at times possible to ruin a fragrance with 0.1 or 0.2 % of Gamma-Undecalactone, just as well as it is possible to double the floral sweetness and depth of another fragrance with that amount of Undecalactone. The material was originally used in Violet perfumes, so popular at the time of the discovery of this Lactone (about 1900). However, its most important use today is in flavours, primarily in imitation Peach and many fruity types, often as a fixative for the very volatile fruit esters. Normal concentrations in finished products are 3 to 12 ppm, but it may be as high as 100 ppm in chewing gum.
Gamma-Undecalactone is produced 1) by Lactonization of Undecylenic acid with sulfuric acid. This process will yield minor amounts of delta-isomer. 2) from Octanol-1 plus Methylacrylate, with Di-rertiary-Butylperoxide. 3) from Heptyl-ethylene oxide plus Sodiomalonic ester.
