FlavScents AInsights Entry for Pentadecane (CAS: 629-62-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Pentadecane
- IUPAC Name: Pentadecane
- CAS Number: 629-62-9
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C15H32
- Molecular Weight: 212.41 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Pentadecane is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane) with a straight-chain structure. Its lack of functional groups contributes to its low reactivity and minimal odor profile, making it less relevant for direct sensory applications but useful as a solvent or carrier in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Pentadecane is generally considered odorless or possessing a very faint, waxy odor. Its sensory impact is minimal, often serving as a neutral carrier rather than a character-defining component.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported due to its low sensory activity.
- Typical Sensory Role: Primarily used as a solvent or diluent in formulations where its lack of odor and flavor is advantageous.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Pentadecane is found in small quantities in various natural sources, including some essential oils and plant waxes.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the degradation of larger hydrocarbons or biosynthesized in plants as part of their waxy protective coatings.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: While naturally occurring, its use in flavors and fragrances is more often as a synthetic or isolated compound due to its stability and purity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Pentadecane is not typically used for its flavor properties but may be employed as a carrier or solvent in flavor formulations.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a neutral medium that can help dissolve or stabilize other flavor compounds.
- Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels are not well-documented; however, it is generally used at low concentrations due to its non-contributory flavor profile.
- Stability Considerations: Pentadecane is stable under a wide range of conditions, including heat and pH variations, making it a reliable component in various formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Utilized in a variety of fragrance applications as a solvent or diluent.
- Functional Role: Provides a neutral base that can enhance the stability and diffusion of more volatile fragrance components.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used in trace amounts, often less than 1% of the total formulation.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Due to its low volatility, pentadecane contributes minimally to the fragrance profile, serving more as a base or carrier.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS for flavor use; typically used as a solvent.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed; use as a solvent is more common.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically used as a solvent.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found; likely follows international norms for solvent use.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Limited data on ADI or MSDI; generally considered low risk due to minimal flavor use.
- Dermal Exposure: Low risk of irritation or sensitization; often used in formulations for its inert properties.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.
- Risk Profiles: Similar risk profiles for both food and fragrance applications due to its inert nature.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Pentadecane's inert nature makes it an excellent solvent or carrier in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with more volatile compounds, enhancing their stability and diffusion.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to dilution of desired sensory characteristics.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-utilized in applications where a neutral carrier is needed.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Chemical identity and basic physical properties are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use as a solvent is common but not always explicitly documented in flavor and fragrance contexts.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals for flavor use are not well-documented.
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 (not clearly reported, noted as industry-typical)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for pentadecane)
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 05:52:18 GMT (p2)