Database/Perfuming/Gamma-Heptalactone
Route-dependent · ISO 16128

Is Gamma-Heptalactone natural?

It depends. Small gamma- and delta-lactones are sold as natural grades made by fermentation and as cheaper synthetic grades.

INCI nameGamma-Heptalactone
CAS105-21-5
FormulaC7H12O2 · 128.17 Da
FunctionPerfuming
FeedstockBioconversion of natural fatty or hydroxy acids, or…

Why the score varies

This ingredient is made commercially by more than one route, and ISO 16128 scores the feedstock actually used. Without a supplier certificate of origin the value cannot be claimed.

RouteFeedstockNOIShareNotes
natural (bioconversion)fermentation or biotransformation of natural fatty-acid or hydroxy-acid precursors (castor oil, dairy fats)1.00Every carbon from natural precursors.
syntheticradical addition or cyclisation chemistry on petrochemical feedstocks0.00No natural carbon.
Ask your supplier. A batch-specific certificate of origin or bio-based carbon test (ASTM D6866) settles which route applies.

How we scored it

Gamma-Heptalactone C7H12O2 128.2 Da is a single small lactone made either by bioconversion of natural precursors (1.0) or by chemical synthesis (0.0). Headline shows the best route, as for Gamma-Octalactone and Delta-Decalactone.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Bioconversion of natural fatty or hydroxy acids, or chemical synthesis.

In plain English

A fruity, coconut-like flavour and fragrance compound (a lactone) used to round out a scent or taste; it is normally made by chemical synthesis rather than extracted from plants.

Natural alternatives with the same function

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Structure

2D structure of Gamma-Heptalactone

5-propyloxolan-2-one

PubChem CID 7742 ↗

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2Gamma-Heptalactone. PubChem CID 7742. National Center for Biotechnology Information. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ↗
  3. 3GAMMA-HEPTALACTONE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  4. 4GAMMA-HEPTALACTONE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=GAMMA-HEPTALACTONE