FlavScents AInsights Entry: Beef Ketone (CAS: 95792-16-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Beef Ketone
- IUPAC Name: 2,3-Dimethyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one
- CAS Number: 95792-16-8
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H10O
- Molecular Weight: 110.15 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Beef ketone is characterized by a cyclopentenone ring with methyl substitutions, contributing to its distinctive meaty aroma. The presence of the ketone group is crucial for its odor profile, providing a savory, umami-like scent often associated with cooked beef.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Beef ketone is known for its strong, savory, and meaty aroma, reminiscent of cooked beef. It has a high intensity and moderate diffusion, making it a potent impact note in flavor formulations.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used at low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing authenticity and depth to meat flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Beef ketone is not commonly found in nature but can be a product of the Maillard reaction during the cooking of meat.
- Formation Pathways: It is primarily formed through thermal degradation and Maillard reactions involving amino acids and reducing sugars during cooking processes.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: While it can be derived from natural processes, its synthetic production is more common in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Predominantly used in savory and meat flavor formulations, including beef, pork, and other umami-rich profiles.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a key impact note to enhance meaty and savory characteristics.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished food products, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: Beef ketone is relatively stable under typical 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: Utilized in gourmand and savory fragrance compositions, often in niche or specialty products.
- Functional Role: Provides trace realism and depth, often used as a modifier or impact note.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at trace levels, often below 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Contributes primarily to the middle notes, providing a lasting savory character.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed; use may be subject to general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Not specifically listed; general flavoring regulations apply.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; generally considered safe at typical use levels in food.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; not commonly used in direct skin applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.
- Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe for both food and fragrance applications at typical use levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides authentic meaty notes essential for realistic savory flavors.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other savory compounds like thiazoles and pyrazines.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in vegetarian or vegan products where a meaty note is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and formation pathways are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and synergies are often based on industry experience rather than published data.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.
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 2026-08-21 05:11:27 GMT (p2)