MOLECULE

gamma-Hexalactone

γ-Hexalactone also known as γ-Caprolactone, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as gamma butyrolactones. Gamma butyrolactones are compounds containing a gamma butyrolactone moiety, which consists of an aliphatic five-member ring with one oxygen atom, four carbon atoms, and a ketone group on the carbon adjacent to the oxygen atom. Thus, γ-caprolactone is considered to be a fatty ester lipid molecule. γ-caprolactone is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, and relatively neutral. γ-Caprolactone is occasionally found as a volatile component of human urine. In some cases, differences up to one order of magnitude are observed. γ-Caprolactone has also been found in the polar fraction of human blood. γ-Caprolactone has been detected, but not quantified, in several different plants, such as potato, cereals and cereal products, pomes, alcoholic beverages, and fruits. γ-Caprolactone has been detected as a volatile component in cannabis plant samples (PMID: 26657499).