Γ-Lactone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
γ-Lactones are a family of organic compounds with the formula cyclo-O=COCHRCH2CH2. The parent member is γ-butyrolactone (R = H). A commercially important set of γ-lactones are derived from the free radical addition of fatty alcohols and acrylic acid. They are all weakly volatile liquids, which are colorless when pure, but typical samples are not.[1]
| Name | Formula | Registry number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| γ-Octalactone | C8H14O2 | 104-50-7 | fruity |
| γ-Nonalactone | C9H16O2 | 104-61-0 | coconut-like |
| γ-Decalactone | C10H18O2 | 706-14-9 | peach flavors |
| γ-Undecalactone | C11H20O2 | 104-67-6 | peach flavors |
| β-Methyl-γ-octalactone | C9H16O2 | 39212-23-2 | whisky lactone |
Production
Chemical, biological, and hybrid routes have been developed for these fragrances. Some fungal enzymes hydroxylate fatty acids, leading to the corresponding lactones.[2] In terms of chemical routes, fatty alcohols undergo free radical addition to acrylic acid, giving hydroxy carboxylic acids, which spontaneously lactonize.[1]
