FlavScents AInsights Entry for Alpha-Hexyl Cinnamaldehyde (CAS: 101-86-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde, Hexyl cinnamaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: 2-(Phenylmethylene)octanal
• CAS Number: 101-86-0
• FEMA Number: 2569
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.078
• Molecular Formula: C15H22O
• Molecular Weight: 218.34 g/mol

Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is characterized by its aldehyde functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of a phenyl ring contributes to its floral and sweet scent, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is known for its floral, sweet, and slightly spicy odor, reminiscent of jasmine and other white flowers. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. This compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a floral and sweet character that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the aldol condensation of hexanal and benzaldehyde. This synthetic pathway is significant for its designation as a "nature-identical" compound in flavor and fragrance applications, allowing it to be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral and fruity profiles. It serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the complexity and depth of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical values often guiding formulation practices. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is a versatile component used in floral, oriental, and woody fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with both top and base notes, providing a balanced olfactory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 05.078.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though formulators should verify country-specific guidelines to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is considered safe within the established FEMA GRAS limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally aligned with industry practices. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is subject to IFRA guidelines, which recommend concentration limits to minimize irritation and sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is typically low due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a floral and sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its concentration to achieve the optimal sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry-typical practices are generally consistent, though some data gaps exist in specific regional regulations and toxicological thresholds. Formulators are advised to consult the latest regulatory updates and safety assessments to ensure compliance and safety.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] 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 19:36:49 GMT (p2)