FlavScents AInsights Entry: Acetone Alcohol (CAS: 116-09-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetone Alcohol
• IUPAC Name: 2-Propanol
• CAS Number: 116-09-6
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C3H8O
• Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol

Acetone alcohol, commonly known as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol, is a simple alcohol with a secondary hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon of a propane chain. Its structure contributes to its characteristic solvent properties and volatility, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetone alcohol is characterized by a sharp, slightly sweet odor reminiscent of rubbing alcohol. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and high diffusion, making it noticeable even at low concentrations. While not typically used for its flavor, its odor profile can contribute to the freshness and cleanliness in fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetone alcohol does not occur naturally in significant quantities but can be formed through the hydration of propylene, a process commonly used in industrial settings. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic production methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetone alcohol is not commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its solvent-like taste. However, it may be present as a trace component in flavor formulations where it can act as a carrier or solvent for other flavor compounds. Typical use levels in food and beverages are minimal, often below 10 ppm, primarily for technical purposes rather than flavor contribution.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, acetone alcohol is valued for its solvent properties and its ability to enhance the volatility of other fragrance components. It is used across various fragrance families and product types, including perfumes, colognes, and personal care products. Concentration levels can vary widely, typically ranging from trace amounts to several percent, depending on the formulation requirements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetone alcohol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a solvent in food processing.
• European Union: It is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and cosmetics.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory status aligns with the EU post-Brexit.
• Asia: Widely accepted in Japan and China for industrial and cosmetic applications.
• Latin America: Generally permitted, with specific regulations varying by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Acetone alcohol is not intended for direct consumption, and its use in food is limited to technical applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, though it can cause irritation in high concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile and can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in large quantities. Occupational exposure limits are established to mitigate risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetone alcohol is a valuable solvent in both flavor and fragrance formulations due to its volatility and ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate notes if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations where its solvent properties could enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on acetone alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive safety and regulatory information available. While its use in flavors is limited, its role as a solvent in fragrances is well-documented. Some variability exists in regulatory acceptance across regions, but harmonization efforts are ongoing.

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 2026-08-24 08:18:42 GMT (p2)