FlavScents AInsights Entry for Woody Ketone (CAS: 25304-14-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Woody Ketone
- IUPAC Name: 1-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl)pent-1-en-3-one
- CAS Number: 25304-14-7
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C14H22O
- Molecular Weight: 206.33 g/mol
Woody ketone is characterized by its cyclohexene ring and a conjugated ketone group, which contribute to its distinctive woody aroma. The presence of the ketone group is crucial for its odor profile, providing a deep, rich woody scent that is highly valued in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Woody ketone is known for its robust woody aroma, often described as warm, rich, and slightly sweet. It has a moderate to high intensity and excellent diffusion properties, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent scent.
In flavor applications, woody ketone can add depth and complexity, often used as a background note to enhance realism. Its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, providing a strong woody character that can be modified or softened with other ingredients.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Woody ketone does not occur naturally in significant quantities and is primarily synthesized for commercial use. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations. The synthetic pathways often involve the cyclization of terpenoid precursors, which are then oxidized to introduce the ketone functionality.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Woody ketone is used in various flavor categories, including savory, spice, and some sweet applications where a woody note is desired. It functions as a background realism enhancer, providing depth and complexity to flavor systems.
Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. These values are industry-typical estimates, as specific documented ranges are not readily available. Woody ketone is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may oxidize over time if not properly stored.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, woody ketone is a versatile component used across various fragrance families, including woody, oriental, and chypre. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the base and middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Woody ketone has moderate volatility, making it suitable for both middle and base note contributions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Woody ketone is not explicitly listed in FEMA GRAS but is used under general flavoring principles.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be used under general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international guidelines.
- Latin America: Usage is typically aligned with international standards, but specific national regulations should be consulted.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. General safety is assumed under typical use conditions.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific IFRA restrictions; generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests low risk under normal use conditions, but occupational exposure should be monitored.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to standard usage levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Woody ketone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, woody character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other woody and spicy notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can overwhelm other components. It is often under-utilized in sweet applications where a subtle woody background can add sophistication.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on woody ketone is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general usage. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry norms and best practices. Known data gaps include precise usage levels and comprehensive safety evaluations.
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 2026-04-24 13:43:35 GMT (p2)