pentadecane

Material Search

pentadecane

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	629-62-9
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	211-098-1
Synonyms	N- pentadecane
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	01.054 pentadecane
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII	16H6K2S8M2
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	7.70 (est)
Molecular Weight	212.42004
Molecular Formula	C15 H32

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	colorless clear liquid (est)
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	0.76500 to 0.77100 @ 25.00 °C.
Lbs/Gal (est)	6.366 to 6.415
Refractive Index	1.42800 to 1.43400 @ 20.00 Â°C.
Melting Point	8.00 to 10.00 Â°C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point	270.00 to 271.00 Â°C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point	270.00 Â°F. TCC ( 132.22 Â°C. )
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	0.011000 mmHg @ 25.00 Â°C. (est)
Vapor Density	7.3 ( Air = 1 )
logP (o/w)	8.350 (est)
Soluble In	alcohol water, 0.002866 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) water, 7.60E-05 mg/L @ 25 °C (exp) water
Occurrence	allspice plant alpinia galanga oil @ 1.90% aubergine - 0.00001 mg/kg butter - up to 2.30 mg/kg carnation absolute @ <0.01% cassie absolute @ 0.26% cayenne fruit cerastium candidissimum corr. oil greece @ trace% cheese - up to 0.346 mg/kg chicken - 0.10 mg/kg costmary oil @ 0.36% dialium guineense wild.fruit oil france @ 4.80% dill root egg boiled egg - up to 0.02 mg/kg fish raw fish - up to 0.03 mg/kg grapefruit oil c.p. russia @ 0.04% grapefruit oil c.p. russia @ 0.05% grapefruit oil c.p. russia @ 0.07% grapefruit oil c.p. russia @ 0.32% guinea hen - 0.029 mg/kg lecythis usitata miers. var. paraensis (ducke) r. kunth. flower oil brazil @ 0.10% lemon balm tissue culture lemon plant licorice - trace amount lime oil expressed florida @ trace% lippia alnifolia schau. leaf oil brazil @ 0.70% mandarin mango fruit - up to 0.40 mg/kg milk powdered milk - 0.014 mg/kg orange papaya fruit papaya fruit - up to 0.01 mg/kg papaya seed oil pepper bell pepper fruit pepper black pepper fruit oil pepper black pepper seed oil plum fruit rose absolute morocco @ 0.10% rose oil otto bulgaria @ 0.70% savory summer savory plant strawberry wild strawberry fruit - up to 0.05 mg/kg tagete oil CO2 extract @ 0.13% tamarind - 0.02 mg/kg tea - 0.10 mg/kg watermelon fruit juice witch hazel leaf oil @ 0.10%

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

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)

Suppliers

Vigon International

PENTADECANE 99% EXTRA • 500817

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