FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Naphthyl Methyl Ketone (CAS: 93-08-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Beta-naphthyl methyl ketone
• IUPAC Name: 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)ethanone
• CAS Number: 93-08-3
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C12H10O
• Molecular Weight: 170.21 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure-Odor Relevance: Beta-naphthyl methyl ketone contains a ketone functional group attached to a naphthalene ring, which contributes to its distinct aromatic properties. The structure is significant for its odor profile, often described as musky and floral, making it relevant in fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Beta-naphthyl methyl ketone is characterized by a musky, floral odor with moderate intensity and diffusion. It is often used to impart a warm, rich note in fragrance compositions.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in perfumery, providing depth and complexity to floral and musky accords.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Beta-naphthyl methyl ketone is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: It is primarily produced through chemical synthesis, involving Friedel-Crafts acylation of naphthalene with acetyl chloride.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, it does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designation under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: While primarily used in fragrances, beta-naphthyl methyl ketone can be used in flavor applications to provide a musky background note.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, enhancing the complexity of flavor profiles.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels in flavors are limited; industry-typical estimates suggest low ppm ranges.
• Stability Considerations: It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in oriental, floral, and musky fragrance families. It is found in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
• Functional Role: Acts as an impact note and modifier, providing warmth and depth.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the middle and base notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not clearly reported; typically regulated under general fragrance ingredient guidelines.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no significant divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported; typically follows international fragrance standards.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Generally aligns with international fragrance regulations; specific approvals not documented.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Limited data available; not typically used in food applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances; IFRA standards should be consulted for specific restrictions.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
• Risk Profiles: Differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal and inhalation exposure in fragrance use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Provides a unique musky and floral note that enhances the complexity of fragrance compositions.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with floral and oriental notes, enhancing warmth and depth.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering musky note; balance with other components is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle musky background due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Structural and sensory characteristics are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications in flavors are less documented.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and safety data for flavor use are limited.

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 2026-04-16 13:46:03 GMT (p2)