FlavScents AInsights Entry for Carvone (CAS: 99-49-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Carvone is a monoterpenoid compound known for its distinctive minty aroma. The IUPAC name for carvone is (5R)-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-5-cyclohexen-1-one. It is registered under CAS number 99-49-0. Carvone has a FEMA number of 2245. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.015 and CoE number 256. The molecular formula for carvone is C10H14O, with a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol. Carvone contains a ketone functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic odor profile. The presence of the isopropenyl group contributes to its minty scent, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Carvone is primarily recognized for its minty, fresh, and slightly sweet aroma. It is a key component in spearmint oil, contributing to its characteristic scent. The odor intensity of carvone is moderate, with a high diffusion rate, making it an effective impact note in formulations. The taste threshold for carvone is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations. In sensory applications, carvone is often used as an impact note to provide freshness and realism to 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 (Mentha spicata) and caraway (Carum carvi) oils. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, where geranyl pyrophosphate is converted into limonene, which is then oxidized to carvone. Carvone's presence in natural sources qualifies it for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
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, toothpaste, and confectionery. It serves as a primary impact note, providing the characteristic minty flavor. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 10 to 100 ppm, with higher concentrations used in products requiring a more pronounced mint flavor. Carvone is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, carvone is utilized in various product types, including perfumes, soaps, and household products. It is commonly found in the fougère and mint fragrance families, where it acts as a modifier or impact note. Carvone is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the top and middle notes of a fragrance, providing a fresh and uplifting scent.
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 approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations allowing carvone in food and fragrance products. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.
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 authorities. For dermal exposure, carvone is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, but IFRA provides guidelines to ensure safe use in fragrance applications. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to carvone's moderate volatility and low concentration in consumer products. The risk profiles for carvone do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should adhere to recommended usage levels to ensure consumer safety.
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 profile. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering mint flavor, and instability under extreme processing conditions. Carvone is often under-used in non-mint applications where a subtle freshness is desired, offering opportunities for creative formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on carvone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent with documented guidelines, though some undocumented practices may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, but formulators should remain aware of potential regulatory changes and emerging safety data.
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 2026-04-29 07:29:21 GMT (p2)