FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal (CAS: 17587-33-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal
• IUPAC Name: (2E,6E)-nona-2,6-dienal
• CAS Number: 17587-33-6
• FEMA Number: 2765
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.073
• Molecular Formula: C9H14O
• Molecular Weight: 138.21 g/mol

(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by its conjugated double bonds, which contribute to its distinctive odor profile. The presence of these functional groups is crucial for its sensory attributes, particularly its cucumber-like aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is renowned for its fresh, green, cucumber-like odor with a hint of melon. It is a potent compound with a low odor threshold, making it an impactful note in both flavor and fragrance applications. Its intensity and diffusion are notable, providing a crisp and refreshing character that is often used to impart a sense of freshness and realism in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is naturally found in cucumbers and melons, contributing to their characteristic aroma. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of linoleic acid, a common fatty acid in plant materials. Its presence in natural sources makes it suitable for "natural flavor" designations under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is primarily used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note reminiscent of cucumbers and melons. It is commonly used in fruit, vegetable, and herbal flavor categories. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 1 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering or off-notes. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is valued for its ability to provide a fresh, green top note. It is used in a variety of fragrance families, including aquatic, green, and floral compositions. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility makes it a top note, contributing to the initial impression 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: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
• 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)-2,6-Nonadienal is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI established but covered under the GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent overexposure during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is prized for its ability to impart a fresh, green note that enhances the realism of fruit and vegetable flavors. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and green notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under heat and oxidative conditions, which can lead to degradation and off-notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in regulatory interpretations may exist across regions.

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 2026-01-19 19:22:37 GMT (p2)