FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heliotropyl Acetone (CAS: 55418-52-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Heliotropyl acetone, also known as piperonal acetone, is a synthetic aromatic compound used in both flavor and fragrance industries. Its IUPAC name is 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propan-2-one. The CAS number for heliotropyl acetone is 55418-52-5. While it does not have a FEMA number, it is recognized in various chemical databases. The molecular formula is C10H10O3, with a molecular weight of 178.19 g/mol. The compound features a methylenedioxyphenyl group, which contributes to its characteristic sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of heliotrope flowers. This structural feature is crucial for its odor profile and its application in fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heliotropyl acetone is characterized by its sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic odor, often described as reminiscent of heliotrope flowers. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound is typically used to impart a floral sweetness and can act as a modifier to enhance the overall sensory profile of a formulation. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a background realism enhancer in complex blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heliotropyl acetone is not known to occur naturally and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. Its formation involves chemical synthesis pathways, typically starting from piperonal, which undergoes acetylation to form the final product. Due to its synthetic origin, heliotropyl acetone does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks. Its use is therefore limited to applications where synthetic compounds are permissible.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, heliotropyl acetone is used to impart a sweet, floral note to a variety of products, including confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It functions as a background realism enhancer and can be used to modify and round out the flavor profile of a formulation. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering floral notes. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Heliotropyl acetone is utilized in the fragrance industry across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the sweet, floral character of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and the product type. The compound is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, heliotropyl acetone is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, but it is used under general safety guidelines for synthetic flavoring substances. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, although specific FL number status is not assigned. The United Kingdom follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence reported. In Asia, regulatory status may vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for synthetic aroma chemicals. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and MERCOSUR members may have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Heliotropyl acetone's safety profile is primarily evaluated through its synthetic nature and exposure routes. For oral exposure in flavor use, specific ADI or MSDI values are not established, but it is used within industry-typical safety margins. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally considered safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heliotropyl acetone is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and sweet notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering floral scent, and instability under extreme processing conditions. Formulators should consider its moderate volatility and potential interactions with other ingredients to optimize its use.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heliotropyl acetone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines. Known data gaps include precise odor and taste thresholds and detailed regulatory status 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 2026-04-23 15:46:59 GMT (p2)