FlavScents AInsights Entry: cis-Limonene Oxide (CAS: 13837-75-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): cis-Limonene Oxide
- IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,4R)-1-methyl-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexene oxide
- CAS Number: 13837-75-7
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
- Molecular Formula: C10H16O
- Molecular Weight: 152.23 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: cis-Limonene oxide is a monocyclic terpene oxide. The presence of the epoxide group is crucial for its characteristic odor profile, contributing to its fresh, citrus-like scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: cis-Limonene oxide is characterized by a fresh, citrusy odor with a slightly sweet undertone. It is often described as having a clean, lemon-like scent with moderate intensity and good diffusion.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported; however, it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in citrus-themed formulations, providing freshness and enhancing the overall citrus character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: cis-Limonene oxide is found in various citrus oils, particularly in the peel oils of oranges and lemons.
- Formation Pathways: It is formed through the oxidation of limonene, a common terpene in citrus oils, often occurring during storage or processing.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a naturally occurring compound in citrus oils, it can be labeled as a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in citrus, fruit, and beverage flavors to enhance freshness and authenticity.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a fresh, citrusy top note.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: cis-Limonene oxide is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can be prone to oxidation, which may alter its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Widely used in citrus, floral, and fresh fragrance compositions.
- Functional Role: Provides trace realism and acts as a modifier to enhance citrus notes.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It is a top note due to its high volatility, contributing to the initial impression of freshness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS; usage is based on industry practice.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed; assumed to be covered under general citrus oil regulations.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not clearly reported; typically follows international standards.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Generally aligns with international practices; specific data not found.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI reported; generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures recommended in manufacturing settings.
- Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe for both food and fragrance applications at typical use levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides a fresh, authentic citrus note that is difficult to replicate with synthetic alternatives.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other citrus oils and floral notes to enhance freshness and complexity.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering citrus notes; careful balancing is required.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in non-citrus formulations where a hint of freshness could enhance the overall profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and natural occurrence are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory assumptions are based on industry norms.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory listings and toxicological thresholds are not clearly reported.
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 2026-03-16 08:18:36 GMT (p2)