FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ocean Propanal (CAS: 1205-17-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ocean Propanal
• IUPAC Name: Propanal
• CAS Number: 1205-17-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C3H6O
• Molecular Weight: 58.08 g/mol

Ocean propanal is a simple aldehyde with a linear three-carbon chain. The presence of the aldehyde group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory properties. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the aldehyde group contributes to its characteristic scent profile, often described as fresh and marine-like.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ocean propanal is characterized by its fresh, marine-like odor, reminiscent of ocean breezes. It is often described as having a clean, aldehydic scent with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and invigorating top note. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is known to be effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ocean propanal is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through various chemical pathways. It may be formed during the oxidation of alcohols or through the degradation of fatty acids. Its relevance to "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations is limited due to its synthetic origin, although it can be used in formulations that aim to mimic natural marine scents.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ocean propanal is used in flavor applications to impart a fresh, marine-like note. It is particularly useful in seafood flavorings and other applications where a clean, oceanic profile is desired. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests low ppm levels are effective. Stability considerations include sensitivity to oxidation and potential degradation under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, ocean propanal is utilized for its fresh, aldehydic qualities. It is commonly found in marine and aquatic fragrance families, often serving as a top note that provides a crisp, clean scent. Typical concentration ranges are low, often less than 1% in the final product, due to its potent odor profile. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ocean propanal does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Limited specific information available; general regulatory frameworks apply.
• Latin America: No specific data; general flavor and fragrance regulations apply.

Ocean propanal's regulatory status is characterized by a lack of explicit approvals, relying instead on harmonized assumptions and general safety evaluations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found; typical use in flavors suggests low exposure risk.
• Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation or sensitization is low; not specifically restricted by IFRA.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests low occupational risk at typical use levels.

Overall, ocean propanal is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with no significant differences in risk profiles between the two.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ocean propanal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, marine-like quality to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and marine notes, enhancing the overall freshness of a composition. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for oxidation, ensuring it is used in appropriate concentrations to avoid overpowering other components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ocean propanal is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general use in formulations. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, leading to reliance on industry-typical practices and assumptions.

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 2026-06-12 05:54:44 GMT (p2)