AInsights Entry for Laevo-Leucine (CAS: 61-90-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Laevo-leucine, L-leucine
- IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid
- CAS Number: 61-90-5
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 08.003
- Molecular Formula: C6H13NO2
- Molecular Weight: 131.17 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Laevo-leucine is an essential amino acid with an aliphatic side chain, contributing to its hydrophobic character. It does not have a significant odor profile on its own but plays a role in the formation of flavor compounds through Maillard reactions and other biochemical pathways.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Laevo-leucine itself is not typically associated with a distinct odor or flavor. However, it is crucial in the development of savory and umami flavors through its involvement in Maillard reactions and protein hydrolysis.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported for laevo-leucine alone.
- Typical Sensory Role: It acts as a precursor in flavor formation, particularly in cooked and fermented foods, contributing to complex flavor profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Laevo-leucine is found in high concentrations in animal proteins, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, as well as in plant sources like soybeans and legumes.
- Formation Pathways: It is a product of protein hydrolysis and can participate in Maillard reactions, contributing to the development of complex flavors during cooking.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As an amino acid naturally occurring in foods, it can be considered part of natural flavor systems.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Primarily used in savory and umami flavor systems, including broths, soups, and sauces.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a building block for flavor compounds, enhancing savory notes.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Industry-typical use levels are often determined by the specific application and desired flavor profile.
- Stability Considerations: Laevo-leucine is stable under typical food processing conditions but can undergo reactions that alter its flavor contribution when exposed to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not commonly used directly in fragrance formulations.
- Functional Role: Laevo-leucine itself is not a fragrance material but may contribute indirectly through its role in protein degradation and subsequent volatile compound formation.
- Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Not applicable.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not applicable.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved for use as a flavoring substance.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Aligns with EU regulations.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally permitted in food applications, subject to local regulations.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Typically follows international standards, but specific regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Laevo-leucine is an essential amino acid and is safe for consumption at levels typically found in foods. No specific ADI or MSDI is established.
- Dermal Exposure: Not relevant for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not applicable as it is not used in volatile fragrance applications.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications due to its primary use in food.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Essential for protein synthesis and flavor development in savory applications.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other amino acids and reducing sugars in Maillard reactions.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to imbalanced flavor profiles; careful calibration is necessary.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized in plant-based protein formulations where umami enhancement is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Extensive research on its role as an essential amino acid and its involvement in flavor chemistry.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications may vary widely.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific sensory thresholds and detailed regulatory approvals in some regions may not be well-documented.
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 (not found, noted as industry-typical)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for single compound)
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 2026-09-09 07:30:22 GMT (p2)