FlavScents AInsights Entry for Octanol (CAS: 111-87-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Octanol, 1-Octanol
• IUPAC Name: Octan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 111-87-5
• FEMA Number: 2805
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O
• Molecular Weight: 130.23 g/mol

Octanol is a linear alcohol with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the terminal carbon of an eight-carbon chain. This structure contributes to its moderate hydrophobicity and its ability to act as a solvent. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its odor profile, imparting a waxy, citrus-like scent that is often described as fatty or oily. This functional group also influences its solubility and volatility, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Octanol is characterized by its waxy, citrus, and slightly floral odor, which can be perceived as fresh and clean. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. The odor threshold of octanol is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it can contribute to the fatty, creamy notes in dairy and fruit flavors, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Octanol naturally occurs in various plant and animal sources. It is found in the essential oils of certain plants, such as orange and grapefruit, and is also present in the waxy coatings of fruits and leaves. The formation of octanol can occur through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids or through fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Octanol is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, dairy, and fruit flavors. It serves as a functional component that enhances creamy, fatty, and waxy notes, providing depth and realism to flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired sensory impact. Octanol is generally stable under typical processing conditions, but formulators should consider its volatility and potential for oxidation when designing flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, octanol is employed across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and woody compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the overall freshness and complexity of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Octanol's volatility places it primarily in the top to middle notes of a fragrance, where it can enhance the initial impression and transition smoothly into the heart of the composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States

• FDA/FEMA GRAS: Octanol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food flavors.

European Union

• Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008: Approved for use as a flavoring substance; listed with FL No. 02.015.

United Kingdom

• Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards, maintaining similar approvals for octanol.

Asia

• Japan: Approved for use in food flavors.
• China/ASEAN: Recognized under regional flavoring regulations, with specific use conditions.

Latin America

• Brazil/MERCOSUR: Approved for use in food and fragrance applications, subject to regional guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure

Octanol has a favorable safety profile for oral exposure, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory authorities. Its use in food flavors is supported by a substantial margin of safety.

Dermal Exposure

In fragrance applications, octanol is considered safe for dermal exposure at typical use levels. It is not a known skin sensitizer, but formulators should adhere to IFRA guidelines to minimize potential irritation.

Inhalation Exposure

Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is a consideration in occupational settings. Proper ventilation and handling procedures are recommended to mitigate any potential risks.

Overall, the risk profiles for octanol do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, provided that usage guidelines are followed.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Octanol is valued for its ability to impart creamy, waxy, and citrus notes, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other alcohols and esters, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering waxy character, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should carefully balance octanol with other components to achieve the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on octanol is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent with documented guidelines, although some variability exists in regional regulatory interpretations. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research focused on refining sensory and safety assessments.

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 2026-02-17 19:52:50 GMT (p2)