FlavScents AInsights Entry for Crocin 3 (CAS: 55750-85-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Crocin 3
- IUPAC Name: (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(E)-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-2-oxoethyl]-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-2-carboxylic acid
- CAS Number: 55750-85-1
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not clearly reported
- Molecular Formula: C44H64O24
- Molecular Weight: 976.96 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Crocin 3 is a carotenoid glycoside, characterized by its conjugated double bonds which are responsible for its color properties rather than odor. It is primarily valued for its colorant properties rather than its scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Crocin 3 itself is not primarily used for its odor or flavor but for its intense yellow to orange color. It is largely odorless and tasteless in typical applications.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found
- Typical Sensory Role: Crocin 3 is used as a colorant in food and cosmetic products, providing visual appeal rather than sensory impact through taste or smell.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Crocin 3 is naturally found in the stigmas of Crocus sativus (saffron) and in the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides.
- Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the carotenoid pathway, where it is esterified with sugars to form glycosides.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Crocin 3 can be labeled as a natural colorant when derived from plant sources, aligning with natural flavor and fragrance designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Primarily used in food products for its color rather than flavor. Common in saffron-flavored products.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a colorant to enhance visual appeal.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are typically in the range of 10-50 ppm in finished food products, depending on the desired intensity of color.
- Stability Considerations: Crocin 3 is sensitive to light and heat, which can degrade its color intensity. It is relatively stable in acidic conditions but can degrade in alkaline environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Not typically used for its fragrance properties.
- Functional Role: Primarily used as a colorant in cosmetic products.
- Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Used at low concentrations to achieve desired color without impacting fragrance.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not applicable as it does not contribute to fragrance volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Recognized as a natural colorant; not specifically listed under FEMA GRAS for flavor use.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved as a food colorant (E164).
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations for food colorants.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally recognized as a natural colorant; specific regulations may vary.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Accepted as a natural colorant; regional regulations should be consulted.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally considered safe as a food colorant; no specific ADI established, but used within regulated limits.
- Dermal Exposure: Low risk of irritation or sensitization; used safely in cosmetics.
- Inhalation Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its use as a colorant rather than a volatile compound.
- Risk Profiles: Similar safety profiles for both food and cosmetic applications, with primary concerns related to color stability rather than toxicity.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides vibrant color without affecting flavor or fragrance.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other natural colorants to achieve desired hues.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Degradation under light and heat; requires careful formulation to maintain color stability.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in products where natural color is desired but stability is a concern.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Extensive use as a natural colorant with well-documented safety.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in combination with other colorants for stability.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific ADI not established; reliance on general safety data for natural colorants.
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 14:57:37 GMT (p2)