FlavScents AInsights Entry: Allyl Heptanoate (CAS: 142-19-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Allyl heptanoate
• IUPAC Name: Prop-2-en-1-yl heptanoate
• CAS Number: 142-19-8
• FEMA Number: 2030
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.014
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 170.25 g/mol

Allyl heptanoate is an ester compound characterized by its allyl group and heptanoate moiety. The ester linkage contributes to its fruity odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications. The allyl group is known for enhancing the volatility and diffusion of the compound, making it a potent impact note in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Allyl heptanoate is renowned for its strong, fruity odor reminiscent of pineapple and banana, with a sweet, tropical character. It is often described as having a high intensity and excellent diffusion properties, making it a valuable impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations.

In flavor applications, allyl heptanoate is used to impart a realistic fruitiness, often serving as a top note or modifier to enhance the overall profile of tropical and exotic fruit flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Allyl heptanoate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving allyl alcohol and heptanoic acid. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, its fruity profile makes it a popular choice for mimicking natural fruit aromas in artificial flavoring systems.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Allyl heptanoate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in the creation of tropical fruit profiles such as pineapple, banana, and other exotic fruits. It acts as an impact note, providing a burst of fruitiness that enhances the overall flavor experience. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application.

The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, allyl heptanoate is used to impart a fresh, fruity top note, often in conjunction with other esters to create complex, tropical accords. It is commonly found in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired impact and product type.

The compound's volatility makes it a suitable top note, contributing to the initial burst of fragrance upon application.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Allyl heptanoate is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: It is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, indicating its approval for use in flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, maintaining its approval for flavor use.
• Asia: In Japan and China, allyl heptanoate is permitted for use in flavors, subject to local regulations.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize allyl heptanoate under harmonized flavor regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Allyl heptanoate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels.

• Oral Exposure: The compound has a high margin of safety when used as a flavoring agent, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical concentrations, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but no significant occupational hazards have been identified at standard usage levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Allyl heptanoate is valued for its potent fruity aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile of tropical and exotic blends. Formulators should be cautious of its high intensity, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its impact can be maximized.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on allyl heptanoate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some variability in use levels may exist due to formulation-specific requirements. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

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

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 2026-01-28 08:02:20 GMT (p2)