FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Ocimene (CAS: 13877-91-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Beta-Ocimene
• IUPAC Name: (3E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-1,3,6-triene
• CAS Number: 13877-91-3
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C10H16
• Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Beta-ocimene is a monoterpene with a linear structure, contributing to its volatility and characteristic floral and sweet odor profile. Its structure allows it to interact effectively with olfactory receptors, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Beta-ocimene is characterized by a sweet, floral, and herbaceous aroma with a hint of citrus. It is often described as having a fresh and green scent, contributing to its use as an impact note in various formulations.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: Beta-ocimene serves as an impact note and modifier, enhancing the freshness and floral aspects of a composition. It is often used to add complexity and depth to both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Beta-ocimene is naturally found in a variety of plants, including basil, lavender, mint, and orchids. It is a common component of essential oils derived from these plants.
• Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, a key metabolic route for the production of terpenes.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its natural occurrence in many plants, beta-ocimene is often used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Beta-ocimene is used in fruit, floral, and herbal flavor profiles. It is commonly found in citrus and tropical fruit flavors.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and enhancer, providing a fresh and floral note that complements other flavor components.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not clearly reported; however, industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the range of 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: Beta-ocimene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, leading to potential changes in flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Beta-ocimene is used in floral, citrus, and green fragrance families. It is commonly incorporated into perfumes, body sprays, and air fresheners.
• Functional Role: It serves as a top note, providing freshness and enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: While specific quantitative ranges are not clearly documented, beta-ocimene is typically used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: As a highly volatile compound, beta-ocimene contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Beta-ocimene is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, and specific FDA regulations are not clearly reported.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported; typically assumed to be compliant under general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Generally aligned with EU regulations; specific divergences not reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory status not clearly reported; generally follows international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or margin of safety is not clearly reported. Industry practice suggests careful evaluation of use levels in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should refer to IFRA guidelines for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Beta-ocimene is prized for its ability to impart a fresh, floral character to both flavors and fragrances, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
• Typical Synergies: It blends well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the complexity and freshness of the composition.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering floral note; careful balancing with other components is essential.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a natural and fresh profile due to its volatility and potential instability.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and natural occurrence of beta-ocimene are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status often rely on industry norms and assumptions.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are not always clearly reported, necessitating careful consideration by formulators.

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 2026-04-21 06:55:29 GMT (p2)