FlavScents AInsights Entry for Gardenia Acetal (CAS: 5182-36-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Gardenia acetal, also known by its IUPAC name as 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl acetate, is a synthetic fragrance compound with the CAS number 5182-36-5. It is not assigned a FEMA number. The molecular formula for gardenia acetal is C12H20O2, and it has a molecular weight of 196.29 g/mol. This compound features an acetate functional group, which is often associated with fruity and floral odor characteristics. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the acetate group contributes to its sweet, floral scent reminiscent of gardenias.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Gardenia acetal is characterized by its sweet, floral odor with a strong resemblance to gardenia flowers. It is often described as having a fresh, green, and slightly fruity undertone. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, making it suitable for use as an impact note in fragrance compositions. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, gardenia acetal is typically used to impart a natural floral character in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Gardenia acetal is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is produced through chemical synthesis, often involving the esterification of geraniol or nerol with acetic acid. Despite its synthetic origin, it is used to mimic the natural scent of gardenia flowers in fragrance applications. Its use in "natural fragrance" designations is limited due to its synthetic nature, although it can be part of a natural-like fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, gardenia acetal is used to impart a floral note, often in conjunction with other fruity or floral compounds to create a balanced profile. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as floral, fruity, and sweet. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Gardenia acetal is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral and green fragrance families. It serves as a key impact note, providing a fresh and natural gardenia scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and the type of product. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility, contributing to the heart of the fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, gardenia acetal is not specifically listed under FEMA GRAS but is used in compliance with general safety guidelines. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, although specific FL number status is not clearly reported. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, gardenia acetal is used in accordance with local safety and regulatory standards, though specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, gardenia acetal is used at low levels in flavor applications, and no specific ADI or MSDI is reported. It is generally considered safe under typical use conditions. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, although it is not specifically restricted by IFRA. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally similar, with low exposure levels mitigating potential risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Gardenia acetal is valued for its ability to impart a natural gardenia scent, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and instability under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle floral background.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on gardenia acetal is well-established, particularly in terms of its sensory profile and use in fragrances. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices. Known data gaps include precise thresholds and detailed regulatory status in some 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 2026-04-15 07:25:28 GMT (p2)