| CAS (Single) | 3856-25-5 |
| FEMA | N/A |
| EINECS | 223-364-4 |
| Synonyms |
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| JECFA Food Flavoring | N/A |
| JECFA Food Additive | N/A |
| DG SANTE Food Flavourings | N/A |
| DG SANTE Food Contact Materials | N/A |
| FDA UNII | 0V56HXQ8N5 |
| CoE Number | N/A |
| XlogP3-AA | N/A |
| Molecular Weight | 204.35628 |
| Molecular Formula | C15 H24 |
| Food Chemicals Codex Listed | No |
| Appearance | colorless clear viscous liquid (est) |
| Assay | 95.00 to 100.00 sum of isomers |
| Specific Gravity | 0.91000 @ 25.00 °C. |
| Lbs/Gal (est) | N/A |
| Refractive Index | 1.49000 @ 20.00 °C. |
| Melting Point | N/A |
| Boiling Point | 246.00 to 251.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg |
| Flash Point | 109.00 °F. TCC ( 42.78 °C. ) |
| Acid Value | N/A |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.038000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C. (est) |
| Vapor Density | N/A |
| logP (o/w) | 5.71 |
| Soluble In |
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| Occurrence |
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Alpha-copaene is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon characterized by its tricyclic structure. The presence of multiple methyl groups and a double bond contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
Alpha-copaene is known for its woody, spicy, and slightly balsamic aroma. It is often described as having a warm, earthy scent with a hint of citrus. The compound's odor intensity is moderate, making it suitable as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, alpha-copaene is typically used to enhance the depth and richness of a fragrance or flavor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
Alpha-copaene is naturally found in various essential oils, including those from copaiba, patchouli, and black pepper. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, which is common for terpenoids. The compound's presence in essential oils contributes to their designation as "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances," depending on the context of use.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
Alpha-copaene is utilized in flavor formulations to impart woody and spicy notes, often enhancing the complexity of savory and spice blends. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as meat, spice, and herbal profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
In fragrance applications, alpha-copaene is valued for its ability to add depth and warmth to woody and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, often used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle to base notes of a fragrance composition, contributing to the longevity and richness of the scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
Alpha-copaene's safety profile is primarily evaluated through its use in essential oils. Oral exposure in flavor applications is considered safe within typical use levels, although specific ADI or MSDI values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
Alpha-copaene is prized for its ability to enhance the complexity and warmth of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and can be used to balance or modify overly sharp or sweet notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions if used excessively. It is often underutilized in formulations seeking a natural, earthy character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
The data on alpha-copaene is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be limited or vary by region. Industry practices often rely on empirical knowledge and historical usage patterns.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
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 2026-08-18 06:39:24 GMT (p2)
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Van AromaAlpha Copaene 90%+ • GB-006 Alpha-copaene is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene hydrocarbon commonly found in essential oils extracted from various plants, especially ... Supplier Detail |
