FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heliotropin (CAS: 120-57-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Heliotropin, Piperonal
• IUPAC Name: 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde
• CAS Number: 120-57-0
• FEMA Number: 2911
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.003, CoE No. 186
• Molecular Formula: C8H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 150.13 g/mol

Heliotropin, also known as piperonal, is a single chemical compound characterized by its benzodioxole functional group. This structure is crucial for its sweet, floral, and vanilla-like odor, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications. The aldehyde group contributes to its distinctive scent profile, making it a versatile ingredient in various formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heliotropin is renowned for its sweet, floral, and vanilla-like odor, often described as reminiscent of cherry pie or heliotrope flowers. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in complex formulations. The compound's taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is typically as a sweetening and floral enhancer, adding depth and warmth to compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heliotropin naturally occurs in various plants, including vanilla beans and certain species of heliotrope flowers. It can also be formed through the oxidation of isosafrole or via synthetic routes involving the condensation of catechol with glyoxylic acid. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Heliotropin is used across multiple flavor categories, including vanilla, cherry, and floral profiles. It serves as a sweetening agent and floral enhancer, providing warmth and complexity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations around 5 ppm. It is relatively 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 fragrances, heliotropin is a key component in floral, oriental, and gourmand families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the sweet and powdery aspects of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations vary from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and role within the fragrance. Heliotropin is primarily a middle note, offering moderate volatility and contributing to the fragrance's heart.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Heliotropin is FEMA GRAS approved for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 12.003.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with harmonized assumptions across member countries.

Explicit approvals exist for both flavor and fragrance applications, though country-specific variability may occur, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, heliotropin is considered safe within the FEMA GRAS limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines, which recommend concentration limits to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heliotropin is valued for its ability to impart sweetness and floral warmth, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, cherry, and floral notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to oxidize, which can alter its sensory characteristics. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heliotropin is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some sensory thresholds and toxicological data remain less defined. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, but formulators should verify specific regional requirements.

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

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 2026-01-20 21:27:49 GMT (p2)