FlavScents AInsights Entry: Octanal (Aldehyde C-8) (CAS: 124-13-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Octanal, Aldehyde C-8
• IUPAC Name: Octanal
• CAS Number: 124-13-0
• FEMA Number: 2817
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C8H16O
• Molecular Weight: 128.21 g/mol

Octanal is a saturated aliphatic aldehyde characterized by a straight-chain structure. The aldehyde functional group contributes significantly to its odor profile, imparting a distinctive citrus-like aroma. This structural feature is crucial for its role in both flavor and fragrance applications, where it serves as a key impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Octanal is known for its fresh, citrusy odor reminiscent of oranges and lemons, with a slightly fatty undertone. It is often described as having a medium to high intensity and is used to impart a clean, aldehydic note in formulations. The odor threshold of octanal is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, enhancing the freshness and realism of citrus profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Octanal naturally occurs in various citrus oils, such as orange and lemon, and is also found in other fruits and essential oils. It can form through the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, a process that can occur during the storage and processing of fats and oils. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Octanal is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in citrus, fruity, and floral categories. It acts as an impact note, providing a fresh, zesty character to beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering aldehydic note. Octanal is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, octanal is utilized across various families, including citrus, floral, and aldehydic compositions. It serves as a top note, contributing freshness and lift to perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in formulations, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility makes it an effective top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, subject to specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized standards.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Octanal has a low acute toxicity profile, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. The margin of safety is considered adequate for typical flavor use.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations, though higher levels may cause sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for safe use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature requires consideration in occupational settings, though typical consumer exposure is not associated with significant risk.

Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with safety assessments supporting its use within established limits.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Octanal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy note, enhancing the realism of citrus flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and citrus components, though care must be taken to avoid overpowering the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an undesirable soapy or waxy character. It is often under-utilized in complex blends where its freshness can provide a lift.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on octanal 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 source differences. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research supporting its safety and efficacy.

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 2026-03-11 19:36:18 GMT (p2)