AInsights Entry for Methyl Jasmonate (CAS: 39924-52-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Jasmonate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl (1R,2R)-3-oxo-2-(pent-2-en-1-yl)cyclopentaneacetate
• CAS Number: 39924-52-2
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.821
• Molecular Formula: C13H20O3
• Molecular Weight: 224.30 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Methyl jasmonate is an ester with a cyclopentanone ring, contributing to its floral and fruity odor profile. The presence of the ester group is crucial for its volatility and odor characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl jasmonate is characterized by a floral, jasmine-like aroma with fruity undertones. It is often described as having a sweet, rich, and slightly spicy scent. The intensity is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is known for its ability to enhance the overall floral character of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl jasmonate is naturally found in a variety of plants, including jasmine, tea, and certain fruits. It is biosynthesized in plants as part of the jasmonate pathway, which is involved in plant stress responses and developmental processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl jasmonate is used in flavor applications to impart a floral and fruity note, often in conjunction with other floral compounds. It is commonly used in fruit flavors, such as apple and pear, as well as in floral blends. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering floral notes. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, methyl jasmonate is valued for its ability to enhance floral compositions, particularly in jasmine and white floral accords. It is used in a variety of product types, including perfumes, lotions, and air fresheners. Typical concentration ranges from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. It contributes primarily to the middle note of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.821.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Usage is generally aligned with international standards, but specific approvals may vary by country.
• Latin America: Generally follows international guidelines, but specific national regulations should be consulted.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure limits are not specifically defined.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl jasmonate is prized for its ability to enhance floral notes and add complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often underutilized in non-floral applications where a subtle floral hint could add depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl jasmonate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data may be less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

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 2026-09-05 02:21:52 GMT (p2)