FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal
• IUPAC Name: (2E,4E)-hepta-2,4-dienal
• CAS Number: 4313-03-5
• FEMA Number: 3429
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.061
• Molecular Formula: C7H10O
• Molecular Weight: 110.16 g/mol

(E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by two conjugated double bonds. This structure contributes to its potent odor profile, which is often described as fatty, green, and citrus-like. The presence of the aldehyde group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory impact, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is known for its distinctive odor, which is often described as fatty, green, and citrus-like, with nuances of cucumber and melon. Its intensity is moderate to strong, and it is typically used as an impact note in formulations. The compound has a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. It is primarily used to impart freshness and a natural green character to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is naturally found in various plant sources, including certain fruits and vegetables. It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a process that occurs during the ripening of fruits or the processing of plant materials. This compound is often associated with the "green" aroma of fresh produce and is considered a natural flavoring agent under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is used to enhance the freshness and authenticity of fruit and vegetable flavors. It is commonly found in citrus, melon, and cucumber flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. The compound is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

(E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is utilized in fragrance formulations to impart a fresh, green, and slightly citrusy note. It is often used in fine fragrances, personal care products, and household cleaners. The compound contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally consistent across regions, though specific use levels and applications may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use levels. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and citrus notes, enhancing the overall freshness of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric values for certain safety assessments may be less clear. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological thresholds, which are typically inferred from industry standards.

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 2026-02-26 12:11:56 GMT (p2)