FlavScents AInsights Entry for Melon Nonenoate (CAS: 111-79-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Melon Nonenoate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 2-nonenoate
• CAS Number: 111-79-5
• FEMA Number: 2462
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C11H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 184.28 g/mol

Melon nonenoate is an ester compound characterized by its fruity, melon-like aroma. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its sweet and fresh scent, which is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Melon nonenoate is known for its distinctive fruity aroma, reminiscent of fresh melons. It is often described as having a sweet, juicy, and slightly green scent. The compound is used as an impact note in formulations, providing a strong, recognizable melon character. While specific odor thresholds are not widely documented, it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Melon nonenoate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes. It is often used to mimic natural melon flavors in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its ability to replicate the sensory characteristics of melon. The compound is typically produced through chemical synthesis rather than extraction from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Melon nonenoate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and desserts. It serves as a key component in creating authentic melon flavors. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, melon nonenoate is used to impart a fresh, fruity note to a variety of products, including perfumes, body sprays, and household cleaners. It is often used as a top note due to its high volatility and strong initial impact. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired effect 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: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Generally recognized in Japan and China, but specific approvals may vary.
• Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, though specific regulations should be verified.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Melon nonenoate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical use levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by its GRAS status, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility in typical use concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Melon nonenoate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, authentic melon aroma. It blends well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate a blend. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add a unique twist.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on melon nonenoate is well-established, with consistent sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds are not always documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance for use levels. Some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification.

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 2026-08-18 15:03:41 GMT (p2)