FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Nonanol (CAS: 628-99-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Nonanol
• IUPAC Name: Nonan-2-ol
• CAS Number: 628-99-9
• FEMA Number: 2781
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C9H20O
• Molecular Weight: 144.26 g/mol

2-Nonanol is a secondary alcohol characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon of a nine-carbon chain. This structural feature contributes to its moderate polarity and influences its odor profile, which is often described as fatty and waxy. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its solubility in water and its reactivity in various chemical processes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Nonanol is known for its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as fatty, waxy, and slightly citrusy. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold of 2-nonanol is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable sensory characteristics even at low concentrations. In flavor applications, it can contribute to the authenticity and complexity of citrus and fruity profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Nonanol is found naturally in various plant sources, including citrus fruits and certain essential oils. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids or through fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances," depending on the regulatory definitions in different regions.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Nonanol is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, fruity, and floral. It serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering waxy notes. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-nonanol is used across several fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and green. It acts as a modifier and trace realism note, contributing to the overall balance and depth of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle note category, where it can provide a smooth transition between top and base notes.

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 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions based on international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-nonanol is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but implied through GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed to prevent overexposure in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Nonanol is valued for its ability to enhance the authenticity and complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, providing a smooth and balanced profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate at higher concentrations, leading to an undesirable waxy character. It is often under-used in formulations seeking subtlety and realism, where its impact can be significant even at low levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-nonanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific concentration ranges may vary based on proprietary formulations. Known data gaps are minimal, with most regulatory and safety information harmonized across 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
• 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 2026-04-21 19:03:39 GMT (p2)