FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Tridecanone (CAS: 593-08-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Tridecanone
• IUPAC Name: Tridecan-2-one
• CAS Number: 593-08-8
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C13H26O
• Molecular Weight: 198.35 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Tridecanone is a ketone with a long aliphatic chain, which contributes to its waxy and fatty odor profile. The ketone group is crucial for its odor characteristics, providing a mild, sweet, and slightly fruity scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Tridecanone is characterized by a waxy, fatty odor with mild, sweet, and slightly fruity undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The taste and odor thresholds for 2-tridecanone are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Tridecanone is found naturally in certain plant species, including some members of the Solanaceae family. It can also be formed through the oxidation of fatty acids or as a byproduct of lipid degradation. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on its method of extraction and processing.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Tridecanone is used in flavor formulations to impart a waxy, fatty note that can enhance the authenticity of dairy and fruit flavors. It is typically employed in low concentrations, often ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished food products, depending on the desired effect. Its stability is generally good under typical food processing conditions, but it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-tridecanone is used to add a subtle waxy and fatty note, contributing to the realism and complexity of compositions. It is commonly found in floral and fruity fragrance families and is used in trace amounts to avoid overpowering other notes. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to function as a middle note in fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: 2-Tridecanone is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, but it may be used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; its use may be subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no specific divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data available; usage likely follows general flavor and fragrance safety guidelines.
• Latin America: Regulatory status not clearly documented; assumed to follow general international safety standards.

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) for 2-tridecanone is not clearly reported. It is generally considered safe at low concentrations typical of flavor use.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; assumed low risk based on typical fragrance use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests low occupational exposure risk; no specific inhalation toxicity data available.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Tridecanone is valued for its ability to impart a subtle waxy and fatty note, enhancing the authenticity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty and fruity notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a composition and should consider its stability under various processing conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-tridecanone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, leading to reliance on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological assessments and comprehensive regulatory listings across all 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
• 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 2026-01-23 05:16:45 GMT (p2)