FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Heptanone (CAS: 110-43-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Heptanone, Methyl n-amyl ketone
• IUPAC Name: Heptan-2-one
• CAS Number: 110-43-0
• FEMA Number: 2557
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.191
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O
• Molecular Weight: 114.19 g/mol

2-Heptanone is a ketone with a seven-carbon chain and a carbonyl group at the second position. This structure contributes to its characteristic odor profile, which is often described as fruity and nutty. The presence of the carbonyl group is crucial for its odor characteristics, influencing its volatility and interaction with olfactory receptors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Heptanone is known for its distinctive fruity and nutty aroma, often compared to blue cheese or ripe bananas. It has a moderate intensity and is considered a middle note in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold of 2-heptanone is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a realistic fruity nuance that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Heptanone naturally occurs in various fruits and dairy products. It is a metabolic byproduct of fatty acid degradation and can also form through the Maillard reaction during food processing. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on its extraction and production methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Heptanone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, dairy, and nut flavors. It acts as a functional impact note, providing authenticity and depth to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-heptanone is used across several fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier, enhancing the realism and complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility classifies it as a middle note, contributing to the fragrance's heart.

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 FL No. 07.191.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability may exist, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-heptanone has a high margin of safety when used within recommended limits. The ADI is not explicitly defined, but typical use levels are well below any concerning thresholds. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is considered safe under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Heptanone is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing complexity and authenticity. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in nut and dairy profiles, where it can add depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-heptanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the data quality is high, supporting confident use in both flavor and fragrance applications.

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 2026-01-28 07:45:30 GMT (p2)