FlavScents AInsights Entry for Perillaldehyde (CAS: 2111-75-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Perillaldehyde, also known as perilla aldehyde, is a naturally occurring organic compound with the IUPAC name 4-(1-methylethenyl)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde. It is identified by the CAS number 2111-75-3. The FEMA number for perillaldehyde is 3557. Other identifiers include its FL number 02.013 and CoE number 257. The molecular formula of perillaldehyde is C10H14O, and it has a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol. Structurally, perillaldehyde contains an aldehyde functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic odor profile. The presence of the isopropenyl group contributes to its distinctive sensory attributes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Perillaldehyde is known for its strong, fresh, and citrus-like odor, often described as reminiscent of mint or anise. It exhibits a high intensity and diffusion, making it a potent impact note in formulations. The taste and odor thresholds for perillaldehyde are not well-documented, but its sensory role is typically as an impact note or modifier, providing a fresh, green, and slightly spicy character to flavor and fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Perillaldehyde is naturally found in the essential oils of several plants, most notably in Perilla frutescens, commonly known as the perilla plant. It is also present in small amounts in other plants such as spearmint and certain citrus species. The formation of perillaldehyde in nature is primarily through enzymatic pathways, where it is biosynthesized from limonene. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Perillaldehyde is utilized in various flavor categories, including mint, citrus, and spice. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the freshness and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 2 ppm. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation and storage conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, perillaldehyde is used across several fragrance families, including citrus, green, and herbal. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing a fresh, green, and slightly spicy aroma. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Perillaldehyde is volatile and primarily contributes to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, perillaldehyde is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, perillaldehyde is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations, although specific approvals may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Perillaldehyde's safety profile varies with exposure routes. For oral exposure in flavor use, the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) is not explicitly established, but it is considered safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance use may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed. The risk profiles differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Perillaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green, and slightly spicy character to formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and mint notes, enhancing overall freshness. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired impact. It is frequently used in conjunction with stabilizers to prevent oxidation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on perillaldehyde is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. Industry practices are well-documented, although some undocumented practices exist, particularly in niche applications. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which require further research.
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 2026-02-20 07:49:00 GMT (p2)