FlavScents AInsights Entry for Isopropyl Alcohol (CAS: 67-63-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isopropyl alcohol, 2-propanol
• IUPAC Name: Propan-2-ol
• CAS Number: 67-63-0
• FEMA Number: 2929
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.001, CoE number 499
• Molecular Formula: C3H8O
• Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the second carbon of a three-carbon chain. Its structure contributes to its characteristic sharp, musty odor, often associated with antiseptic properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Isopropyl alcohol has a sharp, musty, and slightly bitter odor. It is often described as having a medicinal or antiseptic scent.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: The odor threshold is relatively low, making it easily detectable even at low concentrations.
• Typical Sensory Role: In flavor and fragrance formulations, isopropyl alcohol is primarily used as a solvent or carrier rather than a primary sensory component. It can enhance the diffusion of other aromatic compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Isopropyl alcohol is not typically found in nature but can be produced through fermentation processes.
• Formation Pathways: Industrially, it is synthesized via the hydration of propylene, a byproduct of petroleum refining.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, isopropyl alcohol is not typically classified as a natural flavor or fragrance component.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent in the preparation of flavor extracts and concentrates.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a carrier for flavor compounds, aiding in their dispersion and stability.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels in food and beverage applications are generally low, often below 100 ppm, primarily as a solvent.
• Stability Considerations: Isopropyl alcohol is stable under normal conditions but can evaporate quickly due to its high volatility. It is stable across a wide pH range but should be protected from excessive heat to prevent evaporation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in personal care products, cleaning agents, and perfumes as a solvent.
• Functional Role: It serves as a solvent and carrier, enhancing the volatility and diffusion of fragrance compounds.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Concentrations can vary widely depending on the product, typically ranging from 1% to 10% in perfumes and personal care products.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Isopropyl alcohol is highly volatile, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Recognized as GRAS for use as a solvent in flavoring substances.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved for use as a solvent in flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally permitted as a solvent in flavor and fragrance applications, subject to specific regional regulations.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Permitted under similar conditions as in the US and EU, with regional variations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Isopropyl alcohol is not intended for direct consumption. The ADI is not established due to its primary use as a solvent.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, though it can cause irritation in high concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: High volatility necessitates caution in occupational settings to prevent respiratory irritation.
• Risk Profiles: The risk profile differs between food and fragrance applications, with greater caution required in fragrance due to potential dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Its effectiveness as a solvent and carrier makes it indispensable in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with a wide range of aromatic compounds, enhancing their volatility and diffusion.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering antiseptic notes; careful balancing is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-utilized in formulations where rapid evaporation is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Extensive documentation on its use as a solvent in both flavor and fragrance industries.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Commonly used in proprietary formulations where specific concentrations are not publicly disclosed.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited data on long-term exposure effects in non-occupational settings.

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 2026-09-03 17:17:17 GMT (p2)