FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E,E)-2,4-octadienal (CAS: 30361-28-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E,E)-2,4-octadienal
- IUPAC Name: (2E,4E)-octa-2,4-dienal
- CAS Number: 30361-28-5
- FEMA Number: 3422
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
- Molecular Formula: C8H12O
- Molecular Weight: 124.18 g/mol
(E,E)-2,4-octadienal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by its conjugated double bonds, which contribute to its potent odor profile. The presence of these functional groups is crucial for its odor characteristics, often described as green, citrusy, and fatty, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E,E)-2,4-octadienal is known for its strong, green, citrus-like odor with fatty undertones. It is often described as having a fresh, aldehydic character with moderate to high intensity. The compound is used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a fresh and natural aroma. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E,E)-2,4-octadienal occurs naturally in various plant sources, including citrus fruits and certain vegetables. It can also form through the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, a common pathway in the Maillard reaction during food processing. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavor and fragrance products due to its presence in natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(E,E)-2,4-octadienal is utilized in a variety of flavor applications, including citrus, green, and fatty flavor profiles. It serves as an impact note, providing freshness and authenticity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance formulations, (E,E)-2,4-octadienal is used across several fragrance families, including citrus, green, and aldehydic. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing freshness and realism. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the formulation. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.062.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, (E,E)-2,4-octadienal is considered safe at typical use levels, with an established ADI by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals; IFRA provides guidelines for safe use concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E,E)-2,4-octadienal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, natural aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and citrus notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potent odor, as overuse can lead to an overpowering scent. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its impact can be masked by other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (E,E)-2,4-octadienal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differing plant sources and processing methods.
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 2026-01-28 18:01:58 GMT (p2)