FlavScents AInsights Entry: Opoponax Absolute (Commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens Engle) (CAS: 8021-36-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Opoponax absolute is derived from the resin of the Commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens Engle tree. It is a complex natural material, not a single chemical compound. The CAS number for opoponax absolute is 8021-36-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in fragrance and flavor industries, but specific FL or CoE numbers are not typically assigned to such complex materials. The composition of opoponax absolute can vary significantly depending on the geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Opoponax absolute is renowned for its warm, balsamic, and sweet aroma with nuances of spice and earthiness. It is often described as having a rich, resinous scent that can be both grounding and uplifting. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, making it a prominent note in both fragrances and flavors. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, opoponax is typically used as an impact note or a background enhancer in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Opoponax absolute is naturally sourced from the resin of the Commiphora erythraea var. glabrescens tree, which is native to regions in Africa and the Middle East. The resin is collected and then processed to produce the absolute. This material is considered a natural fragrance and flavor component, aligning with industry standards for "natural" designations. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds involves complex biochemical pathways within the plant, including enzymatic processes that occur during resin exudation and drying.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, opoponax absolute is used to impart warm, sweet, and balsamic notes to various products. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. Its functional role is often as a background enhancer or a modifier to add depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. Opoponax is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Opoponax absolute is a valued component in the fragrance industry, particularly in oriental and woody fragrance families. It serves as a base note, providing a rich, resinous foundation that enhances the longevity and depth of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and colognes are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and role within the fragrance composition. Its volatility is low, contributing to its role as a base note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

The key constituents of opoponax absolute include a variety of sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and aromatic compounds. Major components often include β-bisabolene, α-bisabolol, and farnesene, among others. The exact composition can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, opoponax absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations under (EC) No 1334/2008, although specific FL numbers may not be assigned to complex materials. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavorings. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, opoponax absolute is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation and protective equipment. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with primary concerns being dermal sensitization.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Opoponax absolute is valued for its ability to add warmth and depth to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other balsamic and spicy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or cloying effect. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural, resinous character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on opoponax absolute is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical uses. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be less documented due to its complex nature. Industry practices often fill these gaps with empirical knowledge and historical usage patterns.

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
• Includes section 5a for 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 2026-04-21 19:10:46 GMT (p2)