FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Undecanone (CAS: 112-12-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Undecanone, Methyl nonyl ketone
• IUPAC Name: Undecan-2-one
• CAS Number: 112-12-9
• FEMA Number: 3093
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.061
• Molecular Formula: C11H22O
• Molecular Weight: 170.29 g/mol

2-Undecanone is a ketone with a long carbon chain, contributing to its characteristic odor profile. The functional group, a carbonyl, is crucial for its odor properties, often described as fruity and floral. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the length of the carbon chain influences its volatility and sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Undecanone is known for its fruity, floral, and slightly herbaceous odor. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a diffusion that allows it to blend well in formulations. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and clean scent. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is primarily as a modifier and enhancer in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Undecanone occurs naturally in several plants, including rue (Ruta graveolens) and wild tomato species. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, a common pathway in plant metabolism. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Undecanone is utilized in various flavor categories, including fruit and floral profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the overall realism and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 1 ppm. The compound is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 2-undecanone is used across multiple fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, making it suitable for both personal care and household products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.061.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though some variability exists in concentration limits and application types.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-undecanone is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an ADI not specifically established but implied safe under GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. Risk profiles are generally consistent across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Undecanone is valued for its ability to enhance and modify both flavors and fragrances, providing a fresh and clean note. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral compounds, though care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-undecanone is well-established, particularly in its sensory and regulatory aspects. Industry practices are documented, though some variability in use levels and applications exists. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which are not clearly reported in the literature.

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 2026-08-24 16:03:37 GMT (p2)