AInsights Entry for (E)-4-octen-3-one (CAS: 69065-31-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E)-4-octen-3-one
• IUPAC Name: (E)-oct-4-en-3-one
• CAS Number: 69065-31-2
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not found; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not found
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O
• Molecular Weight: 126.20 g/mol

(E)-4-octen-3-one is a ketone characterized by an unsaturated carbon chain with a double bond at the fourth position and a ketone group at the third position. This structure contributes to its distinct odor profile, which is often described as mushroom-like or metallic, with a green nuance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E)-4-octen-3-one is known for its potent odor, often described as mushroom-like, metallic, and green. It has a strong character and high intensity, making it a significant impact note in formulations. The odor threshold is relatively low, indicating that even small concentrations can be perceptible. This compound is typically used to impart a realistic mushroom or earthy note in flavor and fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E)-4-octen-3-one is naturally found in various mushrooms, contributing to their characteristic aroma. It can also form through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, particularly in the presence of lipoxygenase enzymes. This compound is relevant for "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources such as mushrooms or through natural enzymatic processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (E)-4-octen-3-one is primarily used to impart mushroom, earthy, or green notes. It is commonly found in savory flavor categories, including soups, sauces, and meat analogs. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

(E)-4-octen-3-one is utilized in fragrance formulations to provide a green, earthy, or mushroom-like note. It is often used in fine fragrances, personal care products, and household products to add realism or complexity. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; use in flavors and fragrances should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; use should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN not clearly reported; general safety and labeling standards apply.
• Latin America: No specific regulatory data found; general safety standards should be observed.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, (E)-4-octen-3-one should be used within industry-typical levels to ensure safety, as specific ADI or MSDI values are not reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications should consider potential irritation or sensitization, although specific IFRA guidelines are not available. Inhalation exposure should be managed to avoid occupational hazards, given its volatility.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E)-4-octen-3-one is valued for its ability to impart authentic mushroom and earthy notes. It synergizes well with other green and savory notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its strong character and potential to dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in complex fragrance compositions where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E)-4-octen-3-one is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] 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 06:15:04 GMT (p2)