AInsights Entry for Isopinocamphone (CAS: 18358-53-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isopinocamphone
• IUPAC Name: (1S,4R)-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-4-one
• CAS Number: 18358-53-7
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H16O
• Molecular Weight: 152.23 g/mol

Isopinocamphone is a bicyclic monoterpenoid ketone. Its structure includes a ketone functional group, which contributes to its distinctive odor profile. The presence of the bicyclic framework is significant for its volatility and sensory characteristics, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isopinocamphone is characterized by a camphoraceous, minty odor with woody and herbal nuances. It is known for its moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but its sensory impact is typically noted in low concentrations.

In flavor applications, isopinocamphone can impart a fresh, cooling sensation, often used to enhance minty or herbal profiles. Its role as an impact note or modifier is crucial in creating balanced sensory experiences.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isopinocamphone is naturally found in essential oils such as rosemary and sage. It is formed through the oxidation of pinene derivatives, which are common in many coniferous plants. This compound is often associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its occurrence in plant-derived essential oils.

The formation pathways involve enzymatic oxidation processes that convert precursor terpenes into ketones like isopinocamphone, contributing to the characteristic aroma of the source plants.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isopinocamphone is utilized in flavor formulations primarily within mint, herbal, and spice categories. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing freshness and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering the desired flavor profile.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation and storage conditions to maintain its sensory integrity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, isopinocamphone is incorporated into woody, herbal, and camphoraceous fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing freshness and depth. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts up to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Its volatility places it primarily in the top to middle notes of a fragrance composition, contributing to the initial impression and transition phases of the scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors and fragrances should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed safe under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety and usage guidelines.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified; typically adheres to international norms.

Explicit approvals are limited, and formulators should verify compliance with local regulations and harmonized assumptions where applicable.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; usage should align with industry-typical safety practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal and inhalation routes being more relevant for fragrance use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isopinocamphone is valued for its ability to impart freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and herbal notes, enhancing overall sensory profiles. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering camphoraceous character. It is frequently under-utilized in formulations seeking subtle freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on isopinocamphone is well-established in terms of its sensory characteristics and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are 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 2026-08-20 11:50:03 GMT (p2)