FlavScents AInsights Entry for trans-tetradec-4-enal (CAS: 115018-39-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): trans-tetradec-4-enal
- IUPAC Name: (E)-tetradec-4-enal
- CAS Number: 115018-39-8
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C14H26O
- Molecular Weight: 210.36 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: trans-tetradec-4-enal is an unsaturated aldehyde. The presence of the aldehyde group is crucial for its characteristic odor, which is often described as fatty and waxy. The trans configuration of the double bond contributes to its specific sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: trans-tetradec-4-enal is characterized by a fatty, waxy odor with a hint of citrus. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a lingering diffusion.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: It is primarily used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fatty, waxy character that can enhance the realism of certain flavor profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: trans-tetradec-4-enal is found in various natural sources, including some citrus oils and certain types of fish oils.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the oxidation of fatty acids or during the Maillard reaction in food processing.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors, depending on regulatory definitions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in citrus and fatty flavor profiles, as well as in seafood flavor formulations.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the fatty and waxy characteristics of a flavor.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished food products, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: trans-tetradec-4-enal is relatively stable under neutral pH but can be prone to oxidation, which may alter its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Utilized in marine and citrus fragrance families, as well as in personal care products.
- Functional Role: Serves as a trace realism note, adding depth and authenticity to fragrance compositions.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not specifically listed; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported; compliance with local regulations is advised.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory status not found; general safety and labeling standards apply.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values found; general safety practices should be followed.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
- Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe at typical use levels in both food and fragrance applications, but specific risk assessments should be conducted based on formulation context.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: trans-tetradec-4-enal provides a unique fatty, waxy note that is difficult to replicate with other materials.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with citrus and marine notes, enhancing the overall realism of the formulation.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering waxy character; careful balancing is required.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in citrus applications where a subtle waxy note can enhance authenticity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Basic chemical identity and sensory characteristics are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and sensory roles are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited.
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 2026-07-06 06:26:20 GMT (p2)