FlavScents AInsights Entry: 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol (CAS: 17123-60-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol
- IUPAC Name: 2-methylhex-1,5-dien-3-ol
- CAS Number: 17123-60-3
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H12O
- Molecular Weight: 112.17 g/mol
2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is a single chemical compound characterized by its alcohol functional group and a diene structure. The presence of the alcohol group contributes to its potential as a fragrance or flavor compound, influencing its solubility and reactivity. The diene structure may impact its volatility and odor profile, making it relevant in applications requiring specific sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is noted for its distinctive odor profile, which can be described as fresh and slightly floral with green nuances. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, its sensory role is typically as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of a fragrance or flavor composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not widely reported as occurring naturally in significant quantities. It may be formed through synthetic pathways in industrial settings, potentially involving the catalytic hydration of corresponding dienes. Its relevance to "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations is limited, as it is primarily a synthetic compound used to mimic or enhance natural profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is used in various flavor applications, particularly where a fresh, green note is desired. It can be found in flavor categories such as mint, herbal, and floral. Its functional role in flavor systems is often as a modifier, providing subtle enhancements to the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest low ppm levels, typically ranging from 1 to 10 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The compound is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character. It is used across various fragrance families, including floral, green, and herbal compositions. Its functional role is often as a trace realism enhancer or modifier. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 1% of the total composition, due to its potent odor profile. The compound contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety and regulatory guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety standards.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; usage should comply with national regulations in countries like Japan and China.
- Latin America: Regulatory status not clearly reported; formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; formulators should ensure usage aligns with general safety practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring more stringent dermal and inhalation safety assessments.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and floral notes, providing a naturalistic enhancement. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering green note, and instability under extreme conditions. It is frequently under-used in formulations seeking subtlety and realism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene-3-ol is relatively limited, with well-established sensory profiles but less comprehensive regulatory and toxicological information. Industry practices often rely on undocumented but typical usage patterns. Known data gaps include specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological assessments.
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 2026-01-26 07:55:02 GMT (p2)