FlavScents AInsights Entry for Limonene Glycol (CAS: 1946-00-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Limonene Glycol
- IUPAC Name: 1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene-1,2-diol
- CAS Number: 1946-00-5
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C10H16O2
- Molecular Weight: 168.24 g/mol
Limonene glycol is a derivative of limonene, featuring hydroxyl groups that contribute to its increased polarity compared to limonene. This structural modification impacts its solubility and potential applications in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Limonene glycol is characterized by a fresh, citrus-like aroma with a subtle sweetness. Its odor intensity is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in formulations. The compound's diffusion is relatively low, which can be advantageous in creating long-lasting fragrance profiles.
Taste and odor thresholds for limonene glycol are not well-documented, but its sensory role is typically as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of citrus and fruity notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Limonene glycol is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized from limonene through controlled oxidation processes. This synthetic pathway allows for its classification as a nature-identical compound in some regulatory frameworks, which can be relevant for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Limonene glycol is used in various flavor categories, including citrus, fruit, and mint. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-notes or overpowering effects.
Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be prone to oxidation, necessitating the use of antioxidants in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, limonene glycol is utilized in citrus, floral, and fresh fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, providing trace realism and enhancing the overall brightness of the scent. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and longevity.
Limonene glycol contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; may be used under general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; usage should align with local regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries.
- Latin America: No specific listings; general safety and regulatory compliance required.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; general safety assessments suggest low toxicity at typical use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures recommended.
Risk profiles may vary slightly between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being more relevant for fragrance use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Limonene glycol is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and fruity notes but can be overused, leading to overpowering effects. Formulators should be cautious of its oxidation potential and consider using stabilizers.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on limonene glycol is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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 2026-07-06 15:53:28 GMT (p2)