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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

2-Heptanone, also known as methyl amyl ketone, is a ketone with the IUPAC name heptan-2-one. It is identified by the CAS number 110-43-0 and has a FEMA number of 2557. The molecular formula for 2-heptanone is C7H14O, and it has a molecular weight of 114.19 g/mol. This compound features a ketone functional group, which is significant for its odor characteristics, contributing to its fruity and slightly pungent scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Heptanone is characterized by its fruity, banana-like odor with a hint of blue cheese. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a distinct fruity character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer or a modifier in complex flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Heptanone occurs naturally in various fruits and dairy products. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids and can also result from fermentation processes. 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

In flavor applications, 2-heptanone is used across a range of categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery flavors. It functions primarily as a modifier, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. The compound is relatively stable under typical processing conditions, though it may be susceptible to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Heptanone is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within fruity and green fragrance families. It acts as a trace realism enhancer and a modifier, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, 2-heptanone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil, 2-heptanone is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulatory details may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-heptanone is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with occupational exposure limits not typically exceeded in standard use scenarios. 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

2-Heptanone is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity note, enhancing the authenticity of flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other fruity and green notes, though care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial character. Formulators often use it to bridge gaps between disparate notes, creating a cohesive sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-heptanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence and formation pathways may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-08-20 20:28:40 GMT (p2)