AInsights Entry for Theacitrin A (CAS: 201998-49-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Theacitrin A
- IUPAC Name: Not available
- CAS Number: 201998-49-4
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: Not available
- Molecular Weight: Not available
- Functional Groups and Structure-Odor Relevance: Theacitrin A is a compound whose detailed chemical structure and functional groups are not well-documented in public databases. Its sensory characteristics are likely influenced by its unique molecular interactions, which are yet to be fully elucidated.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Theacitrin A is noted for its complex sensory profile, which may include subtle tea-like and citrus nuances. The intensity and diffusion of its aroma are moderate, contributing to its role as a nuanced modifier in flavor systems.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
- Typical Sensory Role: Theacitrin A is typically used as a background realism enhancer in flavor formulations, providing depth and complexity without overpowering primary notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Theacitrin A is primarily found in certain varieties of tea leaves, where it contributes to the characteristic flavor profile.
- Formation Pathways: It is believed to form through enzymatic processes during the fermentation of tea leaves, although specific pathways are not well-documented.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Theacitrin A can be considered a natural flavor component when derived from tea leaves, aligning with natural flavor designation criteria.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Theacitrin A is used in tea-flavored beverages, confectionery, and bakery products to enhance authenticity and complexity.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, adding depth and subtlety to flavor profiles.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the low ppm range, but specific documented values are not available.
- Stability Considerations: Theacitrin A is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Theacitrin A is used in fine fragrances and personal care products, particularly those with tea or citrus themes.
- Functional Role: It serves as a trace realism enhancer, adding subtle complexity to fragrance compositions.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Data not found. It is typically used in trace amounts due to its nuanced impact.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Theacitrin A is likely to contribute to the middle notes of a fragrance, providing a lasting yet subtle presence.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Not clearly reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Not clearly reported.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Not clearly reported.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found. Theacitrin A is presumed safe at low concentrations typical of flavor use, but specific ADI or MSDI values are not available.
- Dermal Exposure: Data not found. No specific reports of irritation or sensitization, but caution is advised in fragrance applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Data not found. Volatility suggests low risk at typical fragrance concentrations, but occupational exposure should be minimized.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Theacitrin A offers unique sensory characteristics that enhance the authenticity and complexity of tea and citrus flavors.
- Typical Synergies: It pairs well with other tea-derived compounds and citrus notes, enhancing overall flavor harmony.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an unbalanced flavor profile; careful calibration is essential.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized due to limited availability and lack of detailed sensory data.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Limited; primarily anecdotal and industry-reported.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and sensory roles are based on industry norms rather than formal studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Significant gaps in toxicological data and regulatory status across regions.
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 (estimated)
- 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 2026-06-08 07:19:42 GMT (p2)