In the vibrant world of natural flavors, fine fragrances, daily chemical products, and eco-friendly pest control, nootkatone (CAS 4674-50-4) shines as a premium bicyclic sesquiterpenoid ketone. Naturally abundant in grapefruit (pomelo/shaddock) peel and juice, along with traces in other citrus fruits and Alaskan yellow cedar, nootkatone is the signature compound behind grapefruit's bright, zesty, slightly bitter, and refreshing aroma and taste.
This high-value ingredient delivers an authentic, true-to-life grapefruit-citrus profile—fresh, juicy, tangy, with subtle woody, green, and peely undertones—making it indispensable for creating vibrant, natural-tasting citrus experiences that captivate consumers.
The Distinctive Profile and Multifunctional Applications of Nootkatone
With its molecular formula C₁₅H₂₂O and exceptional ≥98% purity, nootkatone offers clean, potent performance with minimal impurities:
- In flavors & food and beverage: A top-tier enhancer for grapefruit, citrus, and bitter orange notes; adds lively zest and authenticity to soft drinks, flavored waters, juices, candies, gummies, baked goods, desserts, sorbets, cocktails, and even savory applications—elevating refreshment and complexity in clean-label products.
- In fragrances & daily chemical products: Imparts bright, uplifting citrus top notes in colognes, body sprays, soaps, lotions, detergents, and household items; boosts fresh, green-citrus accords and provides natural acidity to rhubarb or tropical blends.
- In insect repellents & biopesticides: A proven, EPA-registered natural active ingredient that repels and kills mosquitoes, ticks (including Lyme disease vectors like Ixodes scapularis), fleas, and other biting pests; offers effective, long-lasting protection comparable to DEET or picaridin in formulated products—ideal for eco-conscious repellents, sprays, lotions, soaps, and outdoor gear.
- In wellness & nutraceuticals: Emerging research highlights promising anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other bioactive properties; its natural origin positions nootkatone for functional foods, supplements, and health-focused formulations seeking clean, science-backed benefits.
Sustainable Biosynthetic Innovation: Genvera Labs' Reliable Supply
Traditional extraction from grapefruit yields low quantities amid seasonal variability, high costs, and environmental pressures from large-scale citrus processing. Chemical synthesis alternatives often lack the "natural" label and carry sustainability concerns.
Genvera Labs, drawing on over 20 years of synthetic biology expertise from SBS Genetech, pioneers microbial fermentation and advanced synthetic biology to produce high-purity nootkatone. This state-of-the-art, bio-based process:
- Delivers consistent ≥98% purity and batch reliability
- Achieves industrial scalability without citrus dependency
- Minimizes ecological footprint through green manufacturing—no harsh chemicals or resource-intensive harvesting
- Provides cost-effective, year-round supply for flavors, fragrances, repellents, and wellness brands
This forward-thinking approach meets surging demand for sustainable, high-performance naturals while supporting clean-label trends across industries.
Nootkatone Specifications Overview
- Product Name: Nootkatone
- CAS Number: 4674-50-4
- Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₂O
- Purity: ≥98%
- Key Applications: Flavors & Fragrances, Food and Beverage, Daily Chemical Products
Genvera Labs' Competitive Edge
- Unmatched Purity — ≥98% maximizes aromatic intensity, bioactivity, and formulation stability with fewer off-notes.
- Sustainable Bio-based Manufacturing — Microbial fermentation replaces traditional methods, aligning with eco-friendly and ethical sourcing goals.
- Customizable Supply Solutions — Flexible specifications, scalable volumes, and expert formulation support tailored to your needs—whether amplifying grapefruit flavors, crafting fresh citrus scents, developing natural repellents, or innovating wellness ingredients.
As demand grows for authentic citrus character, effective natural pest control, and multifunctional bioactives, nootkatone stands as nature's citrus powerhouse—delivering zesty vibrancy, proven repellency, and sustainable scalability.
Ready to harness premium, biosynthesized nootkatone for your next flavor, fragrance, repellent, or wellness creation? Contact Genvera Labs for samples, technical data, bulk supply, or custom collaboration today.