FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl Tridecanoate (CAS: 1731-88-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl tridecanoate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl tridecanoate
• CAS Number: 1731-88-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C14H28O2
• Molecular Weight: 228.37 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Methyl tridecanoate is an ester, characterized by its long carbon chain and ester functional group, which typically contribute to its waxy and fatty odor profile. Esters are known for their pleasant, often fruity aromas, but in this case, the longer chain length imparts a more subdued, fatty character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Methyl tridecanoate is described as having a waxy, fatty odor with a mild intensity. It lacks the fruity notes typical of shorter-chain esters, instead offering a more neutral, fatty aroma.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds for methyl tridecanoate are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: It is often used as a background note to add body and depth to flavor compositions, particularly in creamy or fatty profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Methyl tridecanoate is found in small quantities in some natural fats and oils, such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
• Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the esterification of tridecanoic acid with methanol, a process that can occur naturally in some biological systems.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural oils allows it to be considered a natural component in flavor and fragrance formulations, depending on the source and processing method.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Methyl tridecanoate is used in dairy, confectionery, and bakery flavors to impart a creamy, fatty note.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a background note, enhancing the richness and mouthfeel of the flavor profile.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not readily available; however, industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: Methyl tridecanoate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may hydrolyze under acidic or basic conditions, affecting its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: It is used in fine fragrances and personal care products, particularly in formulations requiring a fatty, waxy base note.
• Functional Role: Methyl tridecanoate serves as a modifier, providing a subtle, creamy undertone that enhances the overall fragrance complexity.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at low concentrations, often below 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the base note due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed; use may be subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations unless otherwise specified.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international safety assessments.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory information not available; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available. General safety assessments suggest low toxicity at typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered low risk in fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure is minimal.
• Risk Profiles: Similar safety profiles for both food and fragrance applications, with low toxicity and minimal exposure risk.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Methyl tridecanoate provides a subtle, creamy base note that enhances the richness of both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other fatty acids and esters to create complex, creamy profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to a waxy, heavy profile that may overwhelm other notes.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations requiring subtlety and depth due to its low intensity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and applications are often based on industry experience rather than published data.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited.

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 2026-04-17 15:08:12 GMT (p2)