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

Isopropyl alcohol is a simple secondary alcohol with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the second carbon of a three-carbon chain. Its structure contributes to its characteristic solvent properties and volatility, which are relevant to its odor profile and applications in flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isopropyl alcohol is characterized by a sharp, clean, and slightly bitter odor, often described as medicinal or antiseptic. Its intensity is moderate to strong, with a high diffusion rate due to its volatility. The compound is typically used as a background note to enhance freshness or as a modifier to add a crisp, clean aspect to formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isopropyl alcohol does not occur naturally in significant amounts but can be formed through the hydration of propylene, a process often catalyzed by acids. It is not typically classified under "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isopropyl alcohol is used in flavor formulations primarily as a solvent or carrier rather than a flavoring agent. It is found in various flavor categories, including beverages and confectionery, where it helps dissolve other flavor compounds. Typical use levels in finished products are low, often below 100 ppm, to avoid imparting its own flavor. It is stable under normal conditions but can evaporate quickly due to its volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent and diluent, contributing to the volatility and diffusion of the fragrance. It is commonly found in colognes, perfumes, and personal care products. Its role is primarily functional, providing a clean, evaporative base that enhances the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China with specific restrictions.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may vary by country.

Isopropyl alcohol is widely accepted for use in both flavors and fragrances, with harmonized regulations across many regions. However, specific concentration limits and applications may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Generally recognized as safe at low concentrations used in flavors. No specific ADI is established, but typical use levels are well below any concern thresholds.
• Dermal Exposure: Can cause irritation and sensitization in high concentrations; relevant to IFRA guidelines for fragrance use.
• Inhalation Exposure: High volatility necessitates caution in occupational settings to avoid respiratory irritation.

The risk profiles for isopropyl alcohol differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal and inhalation exposures.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isopropyl alcohol is valued for its solvent properties, enhancing the solubility and stability of other compounds in formulations. It synergizes well with other volatile compounds, providing a clean, evaporative base. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility, which can lead to rapid evaporation and potential loss of fragrance or flavor intensity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on isopropyl alcohol is well-established, with comprehensive regulatory and safety evaluations available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels in formulations may vary based on proprietary blends and regional regulations.

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
• No complex natural material section needed for this single compound

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 2026-04-14 13:46:34 GMT (p2)