FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-phytene (CAS: 14237-73-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-phytene
• IUPAC Name: 3,7,11-trimethyldodec-1-ene
• CAS Number: 14237-73-1
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: Data not found
• Molecular Formula: C15H30
• Molecular Weight: 210.41 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-phytene is a hydrocarbon with a long aliphatic chain and multiple methyl branches. Its structure contributes to its hydrophobic nature and potential volatility, which can influence its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: 2-phytene is typically described as having a mild, waxy, and slightly floral odor. Its intensity is moderate, and it can impart a subtle, naturalistic background note in formulations.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its subtle impact.
• Typical Sensory Role: It often serves as a background realism enhancer or a modifier in complex fragrance and flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: 2-phytene is found in trace amounts in certain essential oils and plant extracts, contributing to their overall aroma profile.
• Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the degradation of larger terpenoids or during the distillation of essential oils.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Used in fruit and floral flavor profiles to enhance naturalness and complexity.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a background note that supports and enhances the primary flavor components.
• Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired effect and product type.
• Stability Considerations: 2-phytene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in floral and green fragrance families.
• Functional Role: Serves as a modifier or trace realism enhancer, adding depth and naturalness to the fragrance.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It is a middle note, contributing to the heart of the fragrance with moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Data not found
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Data not found
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Data not found
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found; typically used in low concentrations, suggesting a low risk of adverse effects.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe at typical use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards are reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: 2-phytene adds subtlety and naturalness to both flavors and fragrances, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other terpenes and floral compounds to create balanced and complex profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering waxy note; careful balancing is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used due to its subtlety, but can be over-used in attempts to enhance naturalness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Limited due to the niche nature of the compound.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and sensory roles are often based on industry experience rather than published data.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of comprehensive regulatory and toxicological data.

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 2026-06-09 13:23:26 GMT (p2)