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: 2764
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.084
- 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, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is renowned for its fresh, green, cucumber-like odor, often described as having a watery and slightly fatty nuance. Its intensity is moderate to strong, making it an impactful note in formulations. The compound is primarily used as an impact note to impart freshness and realism to flavor and fragrance compositions. Odor thresholds are typically low, enhancing its effectiveness even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal naturally occurs in cucumbers and melons, contributing to their characteristic fresh aroma. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of linoleic acid, a common fatty acid in plant tissues. This compound is often used to achieve a "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in these fruits.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is utilized across various categories, including beverages, dairy, and confectionery, to impart a fresh, green note. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the authenticity of fruit and vegetable flavors. Typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, with stability considerations including sensitivity to oxidation and heat, which can lead to degradation and loss of desired sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is employed in fragrance formulations to provide a fresh, green, and watery note, often used in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It acts as a top note due to its volatility, contributing to the initial impression of freshness. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in formulations, depending on the desired intensity and product type.
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. 02.084.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though country-specific variability may exist, particularly in Asia and Latin America.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is considered safe within established use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically defined but supported by GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green note, enhancing the realism of fruit and vegetable flavors. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and green notes but can be overpowering if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its stability, particularly in heat-sensitive applications, and consider antioxidant use to preserve its sensory qualities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on (E,E)-2,6-Nonadienal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for safety assessments may be less defined, relying on typical use levels and expert consensus.
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 section 5a required as this is not a complex natural material
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 2026-03-09 14:15:08 GMT (p2)
