FlavScents AInsights Entry for Laevo-Carvone (CAS: 6485-40-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Laevo-carvone, L-carvone
• IUPAC Name: (5S)-5-isopropenyl-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one
• CAS Number: 6485-40-1
• FEMA Number: 2245
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.062, CoE number 256
• Molecular Formula: C10H14O
• Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Laevo-carvone is a monoterpenoid with a ketone functional group. Its structure is responsible for its characteristic minty aroma, commonly associated with spearmint.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Laevo-carvone is characterized by a minty, cooling aroma with sweet, herbal undertones. It is the primary component responsible for the distinctive scent of spearmint.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: The odor threshold for laevo-carvone is relatively low, contributing to its potent sensory impact even at low concentrations.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in mint-flavored products, providing authenticity and intensity to the flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Laevo-carvone is predominantly found in spearmint oil, derived from Mentha spicata. It is also present in small amounts in other mint species.
• Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, involving the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a naturally occurring compound in spearmint, laevo-carvone qualifies for natural flavor and fragrance designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Laevo-carvone is extensively used in mint-flavored products, including chewing gums, candies, oral care products, and beverages.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a primary flavoring agent, providing the characteristic minty taste and aroma.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 10 to 100 ppm in finished products, with industry-typical levels around 50 ppm.
• Stability Considerations: Laevo-carvone is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Laevo-carvone is used in minty and herbal fragrance compositions, commonly found in personal care products and household cleaners.
• Functional Role: It serves as an impact note, providing freshness and a cooling sensation.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Laevo-carvone is a top note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Laevo-carvone is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved for use as a flavoring substance.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Approved for use in food and cosmetics, subject to regional regulations.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Generally approved, with specific regulations varying by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Laevo-carvone has a high margin of safety when used within recommended levels. No adverse effects are reported at typical use concentrations.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA standards should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Laevo-carvone is essential for creating authentic mint flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other mint compounds like menthol and menthone to enhance cooling effects.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering mintiness; balance with other notes is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in non-mint applications where a subtle minty freshness could enhance the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-established Data: Extensive research supports its safety and efficacy in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Industry-typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and synergies are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited data on long-term exposure effects, though current evidence supports safety.

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

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 2026-07-07 06:11:19 GMT (p2)