FlavScents AInsights Entry: Quercetin (CAS: 117-39-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Quercetin
- IUPAC Name: 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one
- CAS Number: 117-39-5
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 16.013
- Molecular Formula: C15H10O7
- Molecular Weight: 302.24 g/mol
Quercetin is a flavonoid, a type of polyphenolic compound, characterized by its multiple hydroxyl groups. These functional groups contribute to its antioxidant properties and influence its sensory attributes. The structure-odor relevance is minimal as quercetin is primarily recognized for its health benefits rather than its scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Quercetin itself is not typically noted for its odor or flavor in the context of flavor and fragrance applications. It is more commonly associated with astringency and bitterness when present in foods. The compound does not have a significant role as an impact note or modifier in sensory applications due to its low volatility and lack of distinctive aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Quercetin is widely distributed in nature, found in various fruits, vegetables, leaves, and grains. Common sources include apples, onions, berries, and tea. It is biosynthesized in plants via the phenylpropanoid pathway, which involves the conversion of phenylalanine to flavonoids. Quercetin's presence in natural products supports its designation as a "natural flavor" component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Quercetin is not typically used as a direct flavoring agent due to its bitter taste. However, it may be present in flavor systems as a natural component of fruit and vegetable extracts. Its use levels in finished food products are generally low, often below 10 ppm, primarily due to its astringency and potential to impact the overall flavor profile negatively. Quercetin is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Quercetin is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of a distinct aroma and low volatility. It does not contribute significantly to any fragrance family or product type and is not typically included for its scent properties. Its role, if any, would be more related to its potential antioxidant properties in preserving fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Quercetin is not specifically listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use.
- European Union: Recognized under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 16.013.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: In Japan and China, quercetin is used in food supplements but not as a direct flavoring agent.
- Latin America: Usage is primarily in dietary supplements rather than as a flavor or fragrance component.
Explicit approvals for quercetin as a flavor or fragrance are limited, with its use more common in dietary supplements and health products.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Quercetin is generally recognized as safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly established, but moderate consumption through diet is considered safe.
- Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant for fragrance use; no significant irritation or sensitization data available.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility minimizes inhalation risks; occupational exposure is not a significant concern.
The risk profile for quercetin does not differ significantly between food and fragrance applications, as its primary exposure route is oral.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Quercetin's value lies in its antioxidant properties rather than its sensory attributes. It can synergize with other antioxidants in formulations to enhance stability. Formulators should be cautious of its bitterness and astringency, which can be a pitfall if not balanced properly. It is often under-used in flavor systems due to these sensory challenges.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on quercetin is well-established in terms of its natural occurrence and health benefits. However, its direct application in flavors and fragrances is less documented, with industry practices often relying on its presence in natural extracts. Regulatory ambiguities exist regarding its explicit approval as a flavoring agent.
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 2026-09-13 06:09:38 GMT (p2)