FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-9-hexadecenoic acid (CAS: 10030-73-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Palmitoleic acid
- IUPAC Name: (9Z)-hexadec-9-enoic acid
- CAS Number: 10030-73-6
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL number not assigned; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C16H30O2
- Molecular Weight: 254.41 g/mol
(E)-9-hexadecenoic acid, commonly known as palmitoleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid with a single double bond located at the ninth carbon from the methyl end. This structural feature contributes to its functional properties in both flavor and fragrance applications, where it can impart a subtle, fatty aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Palmitoleic acid is characterized by a mild, fatty odor with a slightly waxy undertone. Its sensory attributes are often described as creamy and smooth, contributing to a rich mouthfeel in flavor applications. The odor intensity is moderate, making it suitable as a background note rather than a primary impact aroma. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its role as a modifier in formulations is well-recognized.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Palmitoleic acid is naturally found in various animal and plant sources, including fish oils, macadamia oil, and sea buckthorn oil. It is biosynthesized in organisms through the desaturation of palmitic acid, a process catalyzed by the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase. This fatty acid is often associated with "natural flavor" designations due to its occurrence in edible oils and fats.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, palmitoleic acid is used to enhance creamy and fatty notes in dairy and bakery products. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing mouthfeel and richness. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-flavors. Stability is generally good under typical processing conditions, though it may oxidize under prolonged exposure to air and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Palmitoleic acid is utilized in fragrance formulations primarily for its ability to impart a subtle, fatty aroma that enhances the realism of certain fragrance profiles. It is often used in trace amounts to modify and round out the scent profile of cosmetic and personal care products. Its volatility is low, contributing more to the base notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA; generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
- European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; use in food and fragrance applications is subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; generally follows international safety standards.
- Latin America: Regulatory status varies; typically aligns with international guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Palmitoleic acid is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing, with no specific IFRA restrictions. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, reducing occupational safety concerns. Overall, the risk profile is similar across food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Palmitoleic acid is valued for its ability to enhance creamy and fatty notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty acids and esters, providing a smooth, rounded profile. Formulators should be cautious of oxidation, which can lead to rancidity. It is often under-used in fragrance applications where its subtlety can add depth without overpowering other notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on palmitoleic acid is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, relying on general safety assessments. Industry practices are informed by empirical use rather than extensive documentation.
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 2026-01-27 13:51:47 GMT (p2)