FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-2-heptenal (CAS: 18829-55-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E)-2-heptenal
- IUPAC Name: (E)-hept-2-enal
- CAS Number: 18829-55-5
- FEMA Number: 3429
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.062
- Molecular Formula: C7H12O
- Molecular Weight: 112.17 g/mol
(E)-2-heptenal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by the presence of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group. This functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its characteristic green, fatty, and citrus-like aroma. The double bond in the (E)-configuration influences its reactivity and sensory attributes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E)-2-heptenal is known for its distinctive odor profile, often described as green, fatty, and citrus-like with nuances of cucumber and melon. It is a potent compound with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing freshness and realism to flavor and fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E)-2-heptenal occurs naturally in various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, apples, and citrus fruits. It can also form through the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, during food processing or storage. This compound is often associated with the "green" notes in natural flavors and is considered a natural flavoring substance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(E)-2-heptenal is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, vegetable, and citrus flavors. It serves as a key component in creating fresh, green notes and enhancing the authenticity of natural flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering or off-flavors. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged storage.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, (E)-2-heptenal is used across several fragrance families, including green, citrus, and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing freshness and vibrancy. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is a volatile compound, primarily contributing to the top notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 05.062.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- 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.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, (E)-2-heptenal is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for safe use concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E)-2-heptenal is valued for its ability to impart fresh, green notes that enhance the realism of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and citrus components. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to overpowering or undesirable notes. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on (E)-2-heptenal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differences in source materials and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- [x] All required sections 1–9 are present
- [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- [x] 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 2026-01-19 19:13:51 GMT (p2)