FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1,8-Cineole (CAS: 470-82-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 1,8-Cineole, Eucalyptol
- IUPAC Name: 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
- CAS Number: 470-82-6
- FEMA Number: 2465
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062, CoE No. 309
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O
- Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
1,8-Cineole is a monoterpenoid ether characterized by its bicyclic structure, which contributes to its distinctive camphoraceous and minty odor. The presence of an ether functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory impact, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
1,8-Cineole is renowned for its fresh, camphoraceous, and slightly spicy aroma, often described as eucalyptus-like. It exhibits a moderate to high intensity with a rapid diffusion rate, making it an effective top note in fragrance compositions. The taste threshold is relatively low, contributing a cooling sensation and a slightly bitter, spicy flavor profile. In flavor systems, it serves as an impact note, enhancing freshness and complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
1,8-Cineole is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, most notably eucalyptus oil, as well as in rosemary, sage, and bay leaves. It is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where geranyl pyrophosphate is converted to 1,8-cineole through a series of enzymatic reactions. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under various regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
1,8-Cineole is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including mint, herbal, and spice. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing a cooling effect and adding depth to mint and herbal profiles. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 0.1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in products like chewing gum and oral care items. It is stable under heat and acidic conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, 1,8-cineole is incorporated into fragrance families such as fougère, chypre, and aromatic. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing freshness and lift to compositions. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 2% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired effect. Its high volatility makes it a prominent top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, 1,8-cineole is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.062. The UK follows similar guidelines post-Brexit. In Asia, it is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications. Latin American countries, including Brazil, align with international standards, though specific regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, 1,8-cineole has a high margin of safety, with an ADI not specifically established but considered safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though IFRA provides guidelines to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal in typical consumer products, but occupational settings should ensure adequate ventilation. Risk profiles are consistent across food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
1,8-Cineole is valued for its ability to impart freshness and complexity. It synergizes well with mint, citrus, and herbal notes. Formulators should be cautious of its high volatility, which can lead to rapid evaporation. It is often under-utilized in non-traditional applications, where its cooling effect could enhance consumer experience.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on 1,8-cineole is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented. Industry practices are consistent, though some regional regulatory nuances exist. Data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-07-10 16:40:20 GMT (p2)