FlavScents AInsights Entry for Crocetin Digentiobiose Ester (CAS: 42553-65-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Crocetin digentiobiose ester
• IUPAC Name: (6S,6'S)-6,6'-di-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-crocetin
• CAS Number: 42553-65-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C44H64O24
• Molecular Weight: 976.97 g/mol

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is a carotenoid compound characterized by its ester linkage to sugar moieties. The presence of conjugated double bonds in its structure contributes to its color and potential odor characteristics. The esterification with sugar units may influence its solubility and interaction in flavor and fragrance matrices.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is primarily recognized for its color rather than its odor or flavor. However, carotenoids can contribute subtle earthy or floral notes, depending on their concentration and matrix. The compound's sensory impact is typically minimal, serving more as a colorant than a flavor or fragrance component. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, indicating its limited role in sensory applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is naturally found in saffron (Crocus sativus) and gardenia fruits. It is biosynthesized through the enzymatic esterification of crocetin with gentiobiose. This compound is significant in the context of natural flavor and fragrance designations, as it is derived from plant sources and can be labeled as a natural ingredient under certain regulatory frameworks.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is not commonly used for its flavor properties but may be included in formulations for its colorant properties. When used, it is typically at low concentrations, often below 10 ppm, to impart a natural yellow to orange hue without affecting the flavor profile. Its stability under various pH and heat conditions makes it suitable for a range of food applications, although it may degrade under prolonged exposure to light and oxygen.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, crocetin digentiobiose ester is rarely used for its scent. Instead, it may be included in formulations for its color properties, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the product. Its role is typically as a trace component, with concentrations generally kept low to avoid any unintended sensory impact. The compound's volatility is low, and it does not contribute significantly to the top, middle, or base notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed by FEMA as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; may be used under general provisions for natural flavoring substances.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; generally aligns with international standards for natural compounds.
• Latin America: Regulatory status varies; typically follows international guidelines for natural flavoring agents.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical use levels. Oral exposure through food is the most common route, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, indicating low toxicity. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is unlikely to cause irritation or sensitization, aligning with its low volatility and minimal skin penetration. Inhalation exposure is negligible due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Crocetin digentiobiose ester is valued for its natural origin and colorant properties. It synergizes well with other carotenoids and natural colorants to enhance visual appeal. Formulators should be cautious of its stability, particularly regarding light and oxygen exposure, which can lead to degradation. It is often under-utilized in formulations where natural color is desired without altering flavor or fragrance profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on crocetin digentiobiose ester is well-established regarding its chemical identity and natural occurrence. However, specific sensory and regulatory data are less documented, reflecting its primary use as a colorant rather than a flavor or fragrance component. Industry practices often rely on general knowledge of carotenoids for guidance.

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 2026-09-01 14:57:03 GMT (p2)