FlavScents AInsights Entry: Galbanum Oxyacetate (CAS: 68901-15-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Galbanum oxyacetate
- IUPAC Name: Not applicable as it is a complex natural material
- CAS Number: 68901-15-5
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: Not applicable as it is a complex natural material
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: As a complex natural material, galbanum oxyacetate is derived from galbanum resin and is characterized by its unique blend of terpenes and esters, contributing to its distinctive green and balsamic odor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Galbanum oxyacetate is renowned for its intense green, balsamic, and slightly woody odor. It is often described as having a sharp, fresh, and resinous character with a hint of pine and earthiness. The material is typically used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a natural and vibrant green freshness. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but its potent aroma suggests a low threshold, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Galbanum oxyacetate is derived from the resin of the Ferula galbaniflua plant, native to Iran and other parts of the Middle East. The resin is collected and processed to extract the essential oil, which is then further refined to produce galbanum oxyacetate. This material is often used in natural flavor and fragrance formulations due to its origin from a plant source, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Galbanum oxyacetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including herbal, green, and citrus profiles. It serves as a functional component to enhance the freshness and authenticity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is particularly valued for its stability under heat and acidic conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, galbanum oxyacetate is a key component in green and chypre fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a fresh, natural green top note that enhances the complexity of the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed safe under general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety standards.
- Latin America: No specific regulations found; assumed to follow international norms.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific IFRA restrictions; generally considered non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; no specific occupational hazards reported.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to typical use levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Galbanum oxyacetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus, herbal, and woody notes, enhancing the overall complexity and naturalness of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering green note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired freshness. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the optimal sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on galbanum oxyacetate is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical use levels. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry norms and general safety guidelines. Known data gaps include precise regulatory listings and detailed toxicological evaluations.
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)
If any item is missing, immediately revise the entry to fix it before returning the final output.
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 2026-02-28 16:32:36 GMT (p2)