FlavScents AInsights Entry for Carvone (CAS: 99-49-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Carvone is a monoterpenoid compound with the IUPAC name (5R)-5-isopropenyl-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one. It is registered under the CAS number 99-49-0. The FEMA number for carvone is 2245. Other identifiers include the FL number 02.015 and CoE number 257. The molecular formula of carvone is C10H14O, and it has a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol. Carvone contains a ketone functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic minty odor. The presence of the isopropenyl group contributes to its distinct olfactory properties, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Carvone is known for its distinctive minty aroma, often described as spearmint-like, with a sweet, herbal undertone. It exhibits moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it an effective impact note in formulations. The odor threshold of carvone is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable scent even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, carvone is used to provide a fresh, cooling sensation, often serving as a characterizing note in mint-flavored products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Carvone naturally occurs in several essential oils, most notably in spearmint oil (Mentha spicata) and caraway oil (Carum carvi). It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, where geranyl pyrophosphate is converted into limonene, which is then oxidized to carvone. This compound is significant for "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its extraction from plant sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Carvone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in mint-flavored products such as chewing gum, confectionery, and oral care products. It serves as a primary flavoring agent, providing a fresh, minty taste. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense mint applications. Carvone is stable under typical processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, carvone is utilized in various fragrance families, including mint, herbal, and fresh compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Carvone is often used in personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaning products. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, uplifting scent that enhances the overall fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, carvone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 02.015. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, carvone is permitted in Japan and China, with specific use levels outlined by local authorities. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations allowing carvone in food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Carvone is considered safe for oral exposure at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. For dermal exposure, carvone is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, although IFRA provides guidelines to ensure safe use in fragrance formulations. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to carvone's moderate volatility and low concentration in air-dispersed products. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Carvone is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, minty character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to overpowering or artificial notes. Carvone is often underutilized in non-mint applications, where it can add a unique twist to traditional profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on carvone is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its safety and efficacy in flavor and fragrance applications. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research continuing to refine usage guidelines.
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 for carvone)
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 2026-08-29 09:18:44 GMT (p2)