FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ortho-Methoxycinnamaldehyde (CAS: 1504-74-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ortho-Methoxycinnamaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: (2E)-3-(2-Methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enal
• CAS Number: 1504-74-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 162.19 g/mol

Ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is characterized by its methoxy group attached to the aromatic ring, which influences its odor profile. The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to its reactivity and sensory characteristics, often imparting a warm, spicy aroma reminiscent of cinnamon.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is known for its warm, spicy, and sweet aroma, closely resembling cinnamon. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. This compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a characteristic cinnamon-like scent that can enhance the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the methoxylation of cinnamaldehyde. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is used in flavor formulations to impart a cinnamon-like taste. It is commonly found in bakery products, confectionery, and beverages. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is used in oriental and spicy fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the warm and spicy character of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Limited specific information available; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America: Regulatory status may vary; generally aligns with international standards.

Explicit approvals for ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde are limited, and formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Formulators should ensure usage levels are within typical industry ranges.
• Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being more relevant for fragrance use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a warm, spicy cinnamon-like aroma and flavor. It synergizes well with other spicy and sweet notes. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering scent or taste. It is often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ortho-methoxycinnamaldehyde is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical usage levels. However, regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and 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

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 2026-01-16 18:26:31 GMT (p2)