2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol

Full Material List

2-decan-2-ylphenol

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	4338-64-1
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	224-390-9
Synonyms	2- decan-2-ylphenol 2-(2- decyl) phenol 2-(2- decyl)phenol o-(1- methyl-N-nonyl)phenol 2-(1- methylnonyl)phenol phenol, o-(1-methylnonyl)-
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	6.70 (est)
Molecular Weight	234.38242
Molecular Formula	C16 H26 O

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	water, 0.3702 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Occurrence	not found in nature

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol (CAS: 4338-64-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol
IUPAC Name: 2-(1-methylnonyl)phenol
CAS Number: 4338-64-1
FEMA Number: Not applicable
Other Identifiers: Not available
Molecular Formula: C16H26O
Molecular Weight: 234.38 g/mol

2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is a single chemical compound characterized by a phenolic functional group attached to a branched alkyl chain. The presence of the phenolic group is significant for its odor properties, contributing to its potential use in fragrance applications. The alkyl chain influences the compound's hydrophobicity and volatility, impacting its sensory characteristics and stability in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is known for its distinctive odor profile, which can be described as phenolic with a subtle woody undertone. The intensity of the odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The compound's diffusion is relatively low, which may limit its use in applications requiring high volatility.

Odor thresholds for this compound are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is typically used in concentrations that allow it to blend seamlessly with other fragrance components, enhancing the overall complexity of the scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol does not occur naturally and is typically synthesized for industrial use. The compound is produced through chemical synthesis involving the alkylation of phenol with a branched nonyl group. This synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under current regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its synthetic origin and phenolic odor, which may not be desirable in food products. When used, it serves as a background note to add complexity to certain flavor profiles, particularly in savory or umami applications.

Typical use levels in flavors are not well-documented, but industry practices suggest concentrations below 1 ppm in finished products to avoid overpowering the desired flavor profile. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is valued for its ability to impart a phenolic, slightly woody character. It is used in various fragrance families, including woody and oriental compositions, where it acts as a modifier or background note.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are not explicitly documented, but it is generally used at low levels to avoid dominating the scent profile. The compound contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States: Not listed as FEMA GRAS for flavor use; no specific restrictions for fragrance use.
European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; no specific restrictions for fragrance use.
United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no divergence reported.
Asia: Limited information available; typically follows international guidelines.
Latin America: No specific information available; generally aligns with international standards.

The regulatory status of 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol varies by region, with no explicit approvals for flavor use and limited restrictions for fragrance applications. Formulators should verify compliance with local regulations before use.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Not applicable for flavor use; no ADI or MSDI established.
Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances at low concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests limited inhalation risk in typical fragrance applications; occupational exposure should be monitored.

The risk profile of 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is primarily associated with its use in fragrances, where it is considered safe at low concentrations. There is no significant difference in risk between food and fragrance applications due to its limited use in flavors.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is valued in fragrance formulations for its ability to add depth and complexity to woody and oriental scents. It synergizes well with other phenolic and woody notes, enhancing the overall richness of the composition.

Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering phenolic character. It is frequently under-used in formulations seeking subtlety and nuance, where its moderate intensity can be an asset.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-(1-methyl nonyl) phenol is well-established for its chemical identity and sensory profile, though specific use levels and regulatory details are less documented. Industry practices provide guidance on typical use, but formulators should verify compliance with regional regulations.

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 2026-01-21 14:41:43 GMT (p2)

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