FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cycloheptane (CAS: 291-64-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cycloheptane
• IUPAC Name: Cycloheptane
• CAS Number: 291-64-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not assigned; CoE number not assigned; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C7H14
• Molecular Weight: 98.19 g/mol

Cycloheptane is a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon with a seven-carbon ring structure. It lacks functional groups, which contributes to its relatively low reactivity. The absence of polar functional groups also means it has limited odor characteristics, making it less relevant in terms of odor-structure relationships.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cycloheptane is generally considered to have a weak odor profile, often described as mild and somewhat reminiscent of aliphatic hydrocarbons. Its sensory impact is minimal, and it is not typically used for its odor characteristics in flavor or fragrance applications. Due to its low volatility and lack of distinctive odor, cycloheptane does not play a significant role as an impact note or modifier in sensory formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cycloheptane is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized through industrial processes. It can be produced via the catalytic hydrogenation of cycloheptene or through the ring expansion of cyclohexane derivatives. Its absence from natural sources limits its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cycloheptane is not widely used in flavor applications due to its lack of distinctive taste or aroma. It does not contribute significantly to flavor systems and is not typically included in flavor formulations. As such, there are no established ppm ranges for its use in food or beverages. Its stability under various conditions (heat, pH, oxidation) is generally good, but this is of limited relevance given its minimal use in flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, cycloheptane is not commonly used due to its lack of a significant odor profile. It does not belong to any specific fragrance family and does not serve as a trace realism component, modifier, or impact note. Its volatility is moderate, but it does not contribute to the top, middle, or base notes in fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Cycloheptane is not listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use. Its use in fragrances is not restricted by IFRA.
• European Union: Not specifically regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use. No FL number assigned.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: No specific regulations identified in Japan, China, or ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified in Brazil or MERCOSUR countries.

Cycloheptane's regulatory status is largely undefined due to its limited use in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Cycloheptane is not typically used in flavors, so oral exposure is minimal. No ADI, TTC, or MSDI values are established.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing, aligning with its limited use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, with no significant occupational exposure concerns.

Overall, cycloheptane presents a low risk profile in both food and fragrance applications due to its limited use and low reactivity.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cycloheptane's primary value lies in its chemical stability and inertness, making it a potential solvent or carrier in formulations where reactivity must be minimized. It is not typically used for its sensory properties. Formulators should be aware of its limited sensory impact and consider it primarily for its physical properties rather than as a flavor or fragrance component.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on cycloheptane is well-established regarding its chemical properties and safety profile. However, its sensory characteristics and use in flavor and fragrance applications are less documented due to its limited relevance in these fields. Regulatory information is sparse, reflecting its minimal use.

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 (not applicable due to minimal use)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for cycloheptane)

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 2026-03-04 08:03:51 GMT (p2)