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. 02.051
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O
• Molecular Weight: 130.23 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Octanol is a primary alcohol with a straight-chain structure. The hydroxyl group contributes to its solubility and reactivity, while the alkyl chain influences its hydrophobic character and volatility, impacting its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Octanol is characterized by a fatty, waxy odor with a slight citrus nuance. It is often described as having a medium intensity and moderate diffusion. The compound serves as a background realism note in formulations, providing a natural, fatty undertone. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but octanol is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Octanol naturally occurs in various plant and animal sources, including citrus oils and the secretions of certain insects. It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids or via fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Octanol is utilized in flavor formulations across multiple categories, including citrus, dairy, and tropical fruit flavors. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the richness and authenticity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Octanol is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may oxidize over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, octanol is used in floral, woody, and citrus fragrance families. It functions as a trace realism note, adding depth and naturalness. Concentration ranges in formulations are generally low, often below 0.5%, due to its strong odor. Octanol contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

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 02.051.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability exists.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Octanol has a high margin of safety when used within recommended levels. No specific ADI or MSDI is established, but it is considered safe under GRAS conditions.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines do not list specific restrictions.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, though occupational exposure should be monitored.

Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Octanol is valued for its ability to impart naturalness and depth to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor and potential for oxidation, ensuring it is balanced within the overall composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on octanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are less frequently reported. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines in major markets.

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
• No complex natural material section required for octanol

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 2026-09-10 20:33:15 GMT (p2)