AInsights Entry for Laevo-Carveol (CAS: 99-48-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Laevo-carveol
• IUPAC Name: (1S,5S)-2-methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohex-2-en-1-ol
• CAS Number: 99-48-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H16O
• Molecular Weight: 152.24 g/mol

Laevo-carveol is a monoterpenoid alcohol characterized by its cyclohexene ring structure with a hydroxyl group, contributing to its distinct odor profile. The presence of the isopropenyl group is significant for its sensory attributes, influencing both its volatility and odor intensity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Laevo-carveol is known for its minty, woody, and slightly citrus-like aroma, often described as reminiscent of spearmint. Its odor intensity is moderate, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in formulations. The compound's diffusion is relatively high, allowing it to impart freshness and lift to fragrance compositions. Taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Laevo-carveol naturally occurs in various essential oils, including spearmint and caraway oils. It is formed through the enzymatic oxidation of limonene, a common monoterpene in many plant species. This compound is relevant to the "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in naturally derived essential oils, which are often used in flavor and fragrance formulations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Laevo-carveol is utilized in flavor formulations for its minty and fresh characteristics. It is commonly found in mint-flavored products, such as chewing gums, candies, and oral care products. Its functional role in flavor systems includes acting as a top note enhancer and providing a cooling effect. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering minty notes. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, though it may be susceptible to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, laevo-carveol is incorporated into various fragrance families, including mint, herbal, and fresh compositions. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of freshness, which is often complemented by other minty or citrusy notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Laevo-carveol is not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS, but its use in flavors is generally recognized as safe when derived from natural sources.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; its use is typically harmonized with natural flavoring substances.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, laevo-carveol is used in flavors under general natural flavoring guidelines.
• Latin America: Usage is generally aligned with international standards, though specific country regulations may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, laevo-carveol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety precautions. Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Laevo-carveol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and citrusy compounds, enhancing overall freshness. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering minty note, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired freshness. It is frequently under-utilized in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on laevo-carveol is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory listings and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and harmonized assumptions. Known data gaps include precise sensory thresholds and detailed regulatory approvals in certain regions.

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 2026-07-02 13:47:57 GMT (p2)