Compounds · Lactones · Fatty acid derivatives
γ-Nonalactone
Also known as Aldehyde C-18 · Coconut aldehyde — an analysis may use any of these names
Toasted coconut, cream, ripe peach. Lactones always give a sense of fat even without a single drop of oil.
- CAS
- 104-61-0
- Formula
- C9H16O2
- Molar mass
- 156.22
- Odour threshold
- —
- Boiling point
- ≈ 243 °C at atmospheric pressure
Volatility
150 °C290 °C
Where it comes from
Biosynthetic pathway: Fatty acid derivatives — enzymes cut fat chains into fragments you can smell.
Why it sits where it does
A five-membered lactone ring with a side chain; the ester group within the ring makes it noticeably polar, so it boils high and stays long.
Where else you meet it
Toasted coconut, ripe peach, condensed milk, and many coconut-flavoured sweets.