FlavScents AInsights Entry for 18-Nor-4(19),8,11,13-abietatetraene (CAS: 22478-62-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 18-Nor-4(19),8,11,13-abietatetraene
- IUPAC Name: 18-Nor-4(19),8,11,13-abietatetraene
- CAS Number: 22478-62-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C19H24
- Molecular Weight: 252.39 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: This compound is a diterpene hydrocarbon, characterized by its polycyclic structure. The presence of conjugated double bonds may contribute to its odor profile, potentially influencing its volatility and interaction with olfactory receptors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: The compound is noted for its resinous, woody, and slightly balsamic odor profile. It may exhibit moderate intensity and diffusion, contributing to its role as a background note in formulations.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: It is often used as a background realism note, providing depth and complexity to fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: This compound is primarily found in coniferous trees, particularly in the resin of certain pine species.
- Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the diterpene biosynthetic pathway, involving the cyclization of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural resins supports its use in natural fragrance formulations, although its extraction and purification processes must align with regulatory definitions of "natural."
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: While not commonly used in flavor applications due to its resinous character, it may be employed in niche applications where a woody or balsamic note is desired.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Primarily serves as a background note or modifier.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Industry-typical use levels are estimated to be low, often below 10 ppm in finished products.
- Stability Considerations: The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in woody, oriental, and chypre fragrance families.
- Functional Role: Acts as a trace realism note, providing depth and complexity.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It is considered a base note due to its low volatility and long-lasting character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS for flavor use.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not specifically listed; use may be subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international safety assessments.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific regulatory listings found; general safety assessments apply.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found. The compound is not typically used in flavors, minimizing oral exposure risks.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances at typical concentrations, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications due to limited flavor use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides a unique woody and resinous character that enhances the depth of fragrance compositions.
- Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other woody and balsamic notes, as well as with floral and spicy elements to create complex accords.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering resinous character; balance with other notes is crucial.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in modern formulations due to its niche character, but valuable in traditional and niche fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Structural and sensory characteristics are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications in fragrances are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited data on flavor use and specific regulatory approvals in certain regions.
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 2026-07-13 01:05:08 GMT (p2)