FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl Heptenone (CAS: 110-93-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Heptenone
• IUPAC Name: 6-Methylhept-5-en-2-one
• CAS Number: 110-93-0
• FEMA Number: 2670
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.191
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O
• Molecular Weight: 126.20 g/mol

Methyl heptenone is a ketone with a characteristic structure that includes a methyl group and a double bond, contributing to its distinct odor profile. The presence of the carbonyl group is significant for its odor characteristics, often described as citrusy or herbal.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl heptenone is known for its fresh, citrus-like odor with herbal undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and clean top note that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Taste and odor thresholds for methyl heptenone are not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl heptenone occurs naturally in various essential oils, including those from lemongrass and citronella. It can also be formed through the degradation of certain terpenes and is a byproduct of the Maillard reaction in some food systems.

Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl heptenone is utilized in flavor formulations for its fresh, citrusy notes. It is commonly found in citrus, herbal, and green flavor profiles. Its functional role is often as a top note enhancer, providing brightness and freshness to the overall flavor system.

Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, methyl heptenone is used across various fragrance families, including citrus, herbal, and green. It serves as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the freshness and vibrancy of the fragrance.

Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often below 1%, due to its potent aroma. Methyl heptenone is considered a top note due to its volatility and rapid evaporation rate.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.191.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may vary by country.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though some variability exists in country-specific regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, methyl heptenone is considered safe at typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Its GRAS status supports its safety in flavor applications.

Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical concentrations. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.

Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl heptenone is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness of the formulation.

Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance the overall profile without dominating.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on methyl heptenone is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. However, specific numeric thresholds for taste and odor are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices.

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
• Not a complex natural material, so section 5a is not applicable

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 2026-06-10 08:32:42 GMT (p2)