FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tetradecanal (CAS: 124-25-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Tetradecanal
- IUPAC Name: Tetradecanal
- CAS Number: 124-25-4
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C14H28O
- Molecular Weight: 212.37 g/mol
Tetradecanal is a saturated aliphatic aldehyde with a long carbon chain. Its structure consists of a 14-carbon chain terminating in an aldehyde group, which is crucial for its odor characteristics. The aldehyde group contributes to its distinctive fatty and waxy scent, often associated with aldehydic notes in perfumery.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Tetradecanal is characterized by a fatty, waxy odor with aldehydic nuances. It is often described as having a mild to moderate intensity, contributing to the overall character of a fragrance or flavor composition. The compound is typically used as a background note to impart a sense of realism and complexity. Its odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent aldehydic character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Tetradecanal is naturally found in various plant and animal sources. It is a component of some essential oils and can be formed through the oxidation of tetradecanol. In the context of natural flavors, tetradecanal can be derived from natural sources, qualifying it for "natural flavor" designation under certain regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Tetradecanal is used in flavor formulations to impart fatty, waxy notes that enhance the authenticity of certain profiles, such as dairy or nut flavors. It is typically used in very low concentrations, often in the range of 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired effect. Its stability is generally good, but it can be susceptible to oxidation, which may alter its sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, tetradecanal is utilized for its aldehydic and waxy qualities, contributing to the complexity of floral and aldehydic fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, often in trace amounts. Its volatility places it in the middle to base note category, providing longevity and depth to compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Tetradecanal is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but may be used under general flavoring principles.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; its use may be subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards.
- Asia: Specific regulations in Japan and China are not well-documented; typically follows international safety assessments.
- Latin America: Regulatory status in Brazil and MERCOSUR regions is not clearly reported; generally follows international guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) is not clearly reported. Usage should be guided by industry standards and safety assessments.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe in low concentrations typical of fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards are documented.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to recommended usage levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Tetradecanal is valued for its ability to impart a natural, waxy character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and fatty compounds, enhancing the realism of compositions. Formulators should be cautious of its potent character, which can easily dominate if overused. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on tetradecanal is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include detailed regulatory approvals and comprehensive toxicological profiles.
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 2026-04-16 19:00:13 GMT (p2)