Fructone, known in the chemical world as ethyl 2-methyl-2-(3-oxobutyl) oxolane-4-carboxylate, pulls together elements that spark imagination both in research labs and across the fragrance and flavor sectors. Its molecular formula C10H16O4 leads to a calculated molecular weight of 200.23 g/mol. Folks working with Fructone often recognize it by its fresh green, apple, or fruity aroma—a touch that has carved out a niche in everything from perfumes to everyday cleaning products. With a colorless to pale yellow liquid appearance and a density hovering near 1.036 g/cm³ at 20°C, this compound slips easily into both water-based and oil-based solutions, making it a favorite for large-scale formulations and experimental projects alike.
Fructone usually appears as a clear liquid, though occasionally, you can find it in the form of small crystals when cooled below its melting point. In my hands-on lab work, its pourability and lack of a strong oily residue stand out. Its melting point lands close to -56°C, and the boiling point sits at around 235°C under standard atmospheric conditions. Solubility levels in water remain on the lower side, about 8.2 g/L at 25°C, which influences how it behaves in mixtures—sometimes demanding the use of solvents for full integration into a final product. It dissolves well in ethanol and many organic solvents, creating flexibility for the formulator. Viscosity sits low, translating to easy handling when measuring or mixing. Its structure features an ester and a ketone group, both of which play a role in its mild volatility, lending a gentle release of fragrance into open air or controlled environments like cosmetic products.
Bulk suppliers often ship Fructone in drums or smaller liter containers, usually lined up as a clear-to-yellowish, solid or liquid raw material suitable for blending. Quality standards require a minimum purity of 98% by gas chromatography. Impurities, if present, bring down the olfactory value and change the anticipated results in the end product, so procurement teams check certificates of analysis with a keen eye. The Harmonized System (HS) Code typically used for customs and trade documentation is 2918300090, placing it in the carboxylic acids and their derivatives category. Reliable batch records and traceability standards support transparency, letting industries vouch for provenance and meet global compliance benchmarks. The sourcing of Fructone begins with basic petrochemical building blocks, transitioning through controlled esterification and ketone reactions, and strict hazard assessments highlight safe procedures during production and transport.
Handling Fructone invites respect for safety, as with many chemicals in the same class. Direct skin or eye contact can bring irritation, and inhalation of concentrated vapors also causes discomfort in poorly ventilated spaces. Safety data sheets warn of flammability at high temperatures, listing a flash point near 110°C, so facilities maintain both local ventilation and avoidance of open flame for routine handling. Improper disposal impacts aquatic life, as demonstrated in laboratory ecotoxicology studies, highlighting the importance of following regulated hazardous waste practices. Teams conducting bulk transfers rely on well-maintained containment, spill trays, and personal protective gear to keep exposure low. Most producers label raw materials with standard hazard pictograms and transport information under UN Number 3272. These efforts single out the importance of risk communication and training across the supply chain, cutting down on preventable injuries onsite.
Look at Fructone’s chemical skeleton, and the versatility becomes clear. The tetrahydrofuran ring and attached side chains set the tone for both light volatility and substantive mouthfeel, offering a fragrant backbone that sticks around without overpowering the mix. In the world of perfumery and flavor, this plays out as green apple, pineapple, or even pear notes, depending on how it interacts with other blend components. Food technologists appreciate how a small dose acts as a modifier for baked goods, soft drinks, and chewing gum. In industry pilot programs, Fructone stands out for its thermal stability during mixing, and shelf-life studies highlight its resistance to rapid degradation even under harsh storage conditions. These properties, combined with precise knowledge of its crystalline or liquid state, let manufacturing teams dial in desired texture as well as aroma profile, often sampling across several forms—solid flakes, powder, or pearls—before scaling to mass production.
The chemistry behind Fructone’s unique qualities lies in each aspect of its molecular structure. The cyclic ester and ketone arrangement opens up opportunities for synthetic modification, as seen in our department’s efforts to tweak flavor strength or tailor volatility for niche cosmetic applications. Density and solubility dictate much of how Fructone impacts different formula bases. I have seen research teams explore nano-encapsulation as a way to increase water dispersibility, sidestepping common problems with phase separation or uneven product appearance. Technical data from leading universities back up claims about Fructone’s reliable performance under both high-shear mixing and gentle blending. For hazard reduction, systematic evaluation of biodegradable packaging and closed-loop process water reuse appear as the best steps forward. Industry groups push for cleaner synthesis routes, working to minimize hazardous by-products and limit the global footprint from raw materials extraction through finished goods delivery.
Fructone brings both promise and responsibility to any operation making use of its unique attributes. Its molecular properties drive fragrance and flavor results that consumers value, but the path from raw material to finished good only succeeds when all parties respect both the chemical’s benefits and its potential hazards. Beyond technical performance, building a culture of accountability and transparency will shape the future of Fructone in industrial, food, and cosmetic settings, giving both end users and industry insiders a safer and more reliable supply chain.
