FlavScents AInsights Entry for Isophorone (CAS: 78-59-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isophorone
• IUPAC Name: 3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one
• CAS Number: 78-59-1
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C9H14O
• Molecular Weight: 138.21 g/mol

Isophorone is a cyclic ketone characterized by its three methyl groups attached to a cyclohexene ring. The presence of the ketone group contributes to its distinct odor profile, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isophorone is known for its woody, floral, and slightly camphoraceous odor. It is often described as having a sweet, minty, and earthy character with moderate intensity and diffusion. The compound can serve as an impact note in formulations, providing depth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer or a modifier.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isophorone is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the degradation of certain terpenes. It is primarily produced synthetically for industrial use. Its formation is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations, as it is more often a product of chemical synthesis rather than natural extraction.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isophorone is used in flavor formulations to impart woody and floral notes, often in conjunction with other compounds to create complex profiles. It is utilized in categories such as mint, berry, and floral flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Isophorone is relatively stable under various conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, isophorone is valued for its ability to enhance woody and floral notes. It is used in a variety of product types, including perfumes, soaps, and household products. Its functional role can vary from a trace realism enhancer to a significant impact note. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.01% to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect. Isophorone contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Isophorone is not specifically listed as FEMA GRAS but is used under general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; not assigned a specific FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Usage varies; Japan and China have specific guidelines for synthetic compounds.
• Latin America: Generally follows international safety standards, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability exists, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Isophorone's safety profile is generally well-understood, with oral exposure considered safe within typical use levels. No specific ADI or MSDI values are established, but industry practices suggest low risk at standard concentrations. Dermal exposure in fragrances is monitored for irritation and sensitization, with IFRA providing guidelines to minimize risks. Inhalation exposure is primarily a concern in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isophorone is valued for its ability to add depth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other woody and floral notes, enhancing overall profile richness. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to overpowering effects. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking subtle complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on isophorone is well-established, with consistent findings across sensory and regulatory literature. Industry practices are documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily concerning specific sensory thresholds.

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 2026-09-01 15:20:51 GMT (p2)