FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Pentadecanone (CAS: 2345-28-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Pentadecanone
• IUPAC Name: Pentadecan-2-one
• CAS Number: 2345-28-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C15H30O
• Molecular Weight: 226.40 g/mol

2-Pentadecanone is a ketone characterized by a long carbon chain, which contributes to its hydrophobic nature and influences its volatility and odor profile. The presence of the ketone functional group is crucial for its odor characteristics, often imparting a waxy or fatty scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Pentadecanone is known for its waxy, fatty odor, which can be described as mild and somewhat reminiscent of natural fats or waxes. It is not typically used for its taste but rather for its odor characteristics in fragrance applications. The compound's intensity is moderate, and it is often used to impart a subtle, background note that enhances the realism of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Pentadecanone is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through various chemical pathways, including the oxidation of long-chain alcohols or the decarboxylation of fatty acids. Its presence in natural products is rare, and it is primarily used in synthetic applications. Due to its synthetic origin, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Pentadecanone is not widely used in flavor applications due to its limited natural occurrence and specific odor profile. When used, it serves as a background note to enhance the fatty or waxy characteristics of a flavor system. Typical use levels in food are low, often below 1 ppm, due to its potent odor and potential to dominate other flavor notes. Its stability is generally good, with resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may oxidize over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-pentadecanone is valued for its ability to impart a waxy, fatty note that can add depth and realism to a composition. It is used in various fragrance families, including those that aim to replicate natural or clean scents. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from trace amounts to around 0.1%, depending on the desired effect. It contributes primarily to the base notes due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety standards apply.
• Latin America: No specific regulations; general safety and labeling standards apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Limited data available; not typically used in significant quantities in food.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe at low concentrations in fragrance applications; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure should follow standard safety practices.

Overall, 2-pentadecanone is considered safe for use in fragrances at typical concentrations, with no significant toxicological concerns reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Pentadecanone is valued for its ability to impart a subtle, waxy note that enhances the realism of fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other fatty or waxy notes and can be used to smooth out harsh edges in a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potency and potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often under-utilized due to its specific odor profile, but when used judiciously, it can add a unique dimension to a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-pentadecanone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, particularly for flavor applications. Industry practices are generally based on empirical use and safety assessments.

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 2026-06-16 07:16:18 GMT (p2)