FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tetrahydrocarvone (CAS: 59471-80-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Tetrahydrocarvone
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexanone
• CAS Number: 59471-80-6
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C10H18O
• Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol

Tetrahydrocarvone is a saturated monoterpenoid ketone. Its structure features a cyclohexanone ring with a methyl and an isopropenyl group, contributing to its odor characteristics. The presence of the ketone functional group is significant for its odor profile, often associated with minty and herbal notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Tetrahydrocarvone is characterized by a minty, herbal odor with subtle camphoraceous undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a fresh, cooling sensation. The compound is typically used as a modifier in fragrance compositions to impart freshness and enhance the overall complexity of the scent profile. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is known to be effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Tetrahydrocarvone is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the hydrogenation of carvone, a naturally occurring compound in spearmint and caraway oils. This synthetic pathway allows for its classification as a nature-identical compound in flavor and fragrance applications, aligning with "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural precursors.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Tetrahydrocarvone is utilized in flavor formulations primarily for its minty and herbal characteristics. It is commonly found in mint-flavored products, including chewing gums, confectioneries, and oral care products. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, tetrahydrocarvone is valued for its ability to impart freshness and enhance the minty aspects of a composition. It is used in a variety of fragrance families, including fougère, aromatic, and fresh accords. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Tetrahydrocarvone is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but is used under the assumption of safety based on its structural similarity to other GRAS compounds.
• European Union: Not specifically listed in Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; use is based on general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety assessments.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified; typically aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered low risk in fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards identified.

Overall, tetrahydrocarvone is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with no significant differences in risk profiles between the two.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Tetrahydrocarvone is valued for its ability to enhance minty and herbal notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty compounds and can be used to add freshness to a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a composition if used in excess, particularly in delicate fragrance blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on tetrahydrocarvone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and structural analogies for safety assessments.

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 2026-08-27 22:08:50 GMT (p2)