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: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C14H26O
- Molecular Weight: 210.36 g/mol
trans-tetradec-4-enal is an unsaturated aldehyde characterized by a long carbon chain with a double bond at the fourth position. The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often associated with fatty, waxy, and green notes. The double bond configuration (trans) can influence its volatility and interaction with other compounds in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
trans-tetradec-4-enal is known for its potent odor, often described as fatty, waxy, and green. It can impart a fresh, aldehydic character to both flavors and fragrances. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, making it suitable as an impact note in various applications. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, providing depth and complexity to formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
trans-tetradec-4-enal is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the oxidative degradation of fatty acids. This process can occur during the storage and processing of fats and oils, leading to its presence in some natural products. Its formation is relevant to the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" when derived from natural sources through approved processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, trans-tetradec-4-enal is used to impart fatty and green notes, enhancing the authenticity of dairy, nut, and vegetable flavors. It serves as a functional modifier, adding depth and realism 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 product type. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
trans-tetradec-4-enal is utilized in fragrance formulations to provide a fresh, aldehydic note, often contributing to the top or middle notes of a fragrance. It is commonly found in green, floral, and aldehydic fragrance families. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to act as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; usage should comply with local regulations.
- Latin America: Limited specific data; usage should comply with local regulations.
Regulatory treatment varies, and formulators should verify compliance with regional standards and guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found; formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry-typical ranges to maintain safety.
- 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 may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring careful consideration of dermal and inhalation exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
trans-tetradec-4-enal is valued for its ability to impart fresh, aldehydic notes, enhancing the realism of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and green notes, but care should be taken to avoid overpowering the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overly waxy or fatty character. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance overall depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on trans-tetradec-4-enal is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and functional roles. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are limited, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies and comprehensive regulatory listings.
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 2026-01-29 07:19:15 GMT (p2)