FlavScents AInsights Entry: Bitter Orange Peel Oil Brazil (CAS: 68916-04-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Bitter Orange Peel Oil Brazil
- CAS Number: 68916-04-1
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL Number not specified; IFRA reference available
- Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
- Source: Derived from the peel of the bitter orange (Citrus aurantium)
- Key Constituents: Limonene, linalool, myrcene, and β-pinene
- Composition Variability: Composition may vary based on origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bitter orange peel oil is characterized by a fresh, citrusy aroma with a slightly bitter undertone. It is often described as having a bright, zesty top note with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The oil is primarily used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a lively and refreshing quality.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bitter orange peel oil is naturally sourced from the peel of the bitter orange fruit, primarily through cold pressing. The oil is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with "natural" designations in various regulatory frameworks. The formation of its key constituents occurs naturally within the fruit as it matures.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Bitter orange peel oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. It serves as a top note in citrus flavor profiles, enhancing freshness and authenticity. Typical use levels range from 10 to 100 ppm in finished products, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade with prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, bitter orange peel oil is utilized across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and chypre. It acts as a top note, providing a fresh and invigorating opening to fragrance compositions. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 3% in final formulations, depending on the product type and desired effect. The oil's volatility contributes to its role as a top note, with moderate longevity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Limonene: 90-95%
- Linalool: 0.5-1.5%
- Myrcene: 0.5-1.0%
- β-Pinene: 0.2-0.5%
Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS for flavor use by FEMA; no specific restrictions for fragrance use.
- European Union: Permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number not specified.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Generally accepted in Japan and China; specific ASEAN regulations not detailed.
- Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with no specific restrictions noted.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use; no specific ADI or MSDI established.
- Dermal Exposure: Potential for skin irritation and sensitization; IFRA standards should be consulted.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature requires consideration in occupational settings; no specific inhalation risks identified.
Risk profiles may differ slightly between food and fragrance applications due to exposure routes.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bitter orange peel oil is valued for its vibrant citrus character, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can affect stability. It is often under-utilized in complex fragrance compositions where its freshness can enhance overall appeal.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bitter orange peel oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, industry practices regarding typical use levels and formulation strategies are often undocumented, relying on formulator expertise. Some regulatory ambiguities exist in specific regions, necessitating careful review of local 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
- 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 2026-09-10 21:26:01 GMT (p2)