FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-octen-2-one (CAS: 1669-44-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-octen-2-one
• IUPAC Name: (E)-oct-3-en-2-one
• CAS Number: 1669-44-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available, CoE number not available, IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O
• Molecular Weight: 126.20 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 3-octen-2-one is a ketone with an unsaturated aliphatic chain. The presence of the carbonyl group and the double bond contributes to its distinct odor profile, often described as mushroom-like or green.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-octen-2-one is characterized by its strong, mushroom-like odor with green and earthy nuances. It is known for its high intensity and moderate diffusion, making it a potent impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations, although specific threshold values are not clearly reported in the literature. Its sensory role is often as an impact note, providing a distinct character to formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-octen-2-one is naturally found in various foods, including mushrooms, where it contributes to their characteristic aroma. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of linoleic acid, a common fatty acid in many plants. This compound is relevant to the "natural flavor" designation due to its occurrence in natural sources and its formation through natural biochemical pathways.

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

4. Use in Flavors

3-octen-2-one is used in flavor formulations to impart mushroom, green, and earthy notes. It is commonly applied in savory flavors, such as those for 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. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, but it may be prone to oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 3-octen-2-one is utilized for its ability to add green and earthy nuances, often in chypre and fougère fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, typically used in trace amounts due to its high potency. Concentration ranges are generally qualitative, with usage often below 0.1% in the final product. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be used under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN not clearly documented; typically follows international safety assessments.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified; generally follows international guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring careful consideration of dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-octen-2-one is valued for its ability to impart a distinct mushroom and green character, enhancing the authenticity of savory flavors and adding complexity to fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and earthy notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its high potency and potential for oxidation, which can lead to off-notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 3-octen-2-one is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

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 2026-09-03 19:44:53 GMT (p2)