FlavScents AInsights Entry for Decanoic Acid (CAS: 334-48-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Decanoic acid, Capric acid
• IUPAC Name: Decanoic acid
• CAS Number: 334-48-5
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 08.005
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Decanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a carboxylic acid functional group. Its structure contributes to its characteristic fatty, waxy odor, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Decanoic acid is characterized by a fatty, waxy odor with a mild, slightly unpleasant undertone. It is often described as having a rancid, sour, or cheesy note at higher concentrations. The intensity of its odor is moderate, and it can act as a background realism note in formulations. The taste threshold for decanoic acid is not well-documented, but it is known to impart a fatty taste at higher concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Decanoic acid is naturally found in various animal fats and oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of triglycerides. In the context of natural flavors, decanoic acid is considered a natural component when derived from these sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Decanoic acid is used in flavor formulations primarily for its ability to impart fatty, creamy notes. It is commonly used in dairy, coconut, and other tropical fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-flavors. Decanoic acid is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may oxidize under prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, decanoic acid is used to add depth and realism to fatty and creamy accords. It is found in fragrance families such as gourmand and oriental. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 1%, due to its potent odor. Decanoic acid contributes primarily to the base notes due to its low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 08.005.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Decanoic acid has a low acute toxicity profile. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is considered safe at typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at low concentrations, but higher concentrations may cause skin irritation.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be minimized.

Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Decanoic acid is valued for its ability to enhance creamy and fatty notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty acids and esters. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to impart off-flavors at higher concentrations and should consider its stability in formulations prone to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on decanoic acid is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Some industry practices may not be fully documented, particularly regarding specific use levels in niche applications.

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
• No section 5a required as decanoic acid is a single compound

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 2026-04-17 15:09:03 GMT (p2)