Levulinic Acid (CAS 123-76-2) is a synthetic aroma chemical known for its unique sweet, caramel-like scent profile. It is often used in perfumery to enhance the sweetness and depth of fragrances, providing a warm, gourmand character that can complement floral, fruity, and oriental compositions. Levulinic Acid is typically utilized in lower concentrations within a formula, as its potent aroma can easily dominate if used excessively. In addition to its olfactory properties, it can also serve as a fixative, helping to stabilize and prolong the scent of other ingredients in a blend. From a safety and regulatory perspective, Levulinic Acid is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances, but it is advisable for formulators to consult the latest IFRA guidelines and safety data sheets to ensure compliance with any applicable restrictions or recommendations. As with many synthetic aroma chemicals, it is important to monitor for any potential allergens or sensitivities in end consumers. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
Sweet, caramelized, slightly buttery odor with a soft sugary-fruity nuance reminiscent of burnt sugar or maple. Used in trace amounts to add a warm, edible sweetness and a subtle tangy facet to gourmand and tobacco accords.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, page 760.
Colorless leafy crystals when pure, yellowish crystals when commercial grade.
Soluble in water, alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerin and most oils.
Mild caramellic odor, or almost odorless (when pure). Decomposition causes acid odor and pungency.
Pleasant, acid taste in proper dilution. The acidulous taste is accompanied by a caramellic flavor giving the impression of sweetness with the acidity.
It finds extensive use in flavors, partly as a component of various Berry-type flavor compositions, Butter, Maple and Nut imitations, Caramel and various fruit flavors, etc.
Produced from cane sugar or starch by mineral acid hydrolysis. Also produced from low-grade cellulose, best grades from fructose.