FlavScents AInsights Entry for Decanol (CAS: 112-30-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Decanol, n-Decanol
• IUPAC Name: Decan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 112-30-1
• FEMA Number: 2333
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.051
• Molecular Formula: C10H22O
• Molecular Weight: 158.28 g/mol

Decanol is a saturated fatty alcohol with a ten-carbon chain. It features a hydroxyl group (-OH) at the terminal position, which contributes to its moderate polarity and solubility in water. The structure of decanol is significant in determining its odor profile, as the length of the carbon chain influences its olfactory characteristics, typically imparting a waxy, floral scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Decanol is characterized by a mild, floral, and slightly fatty odor, often described as waxy or soapy. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold of decanol is relatively low, allowing it to impart subtle nuances even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, decanol can contribute to creamy and fatty notes, enhancing the richness of dairy and coconut profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Decanol naturally occurs in various plant sources, including essential oils from citrus fruits and certain flowers. It can also be formed through the reduction of decanoic acid or by the hydrogenation of decanal. In the context of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, decanol can be considered natural if derived from plant sources or through natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Decanol is utilized in flavor formulations to impart creamy, fatty, and waxy notes. It is commonly used in dairy, coconut, and certain fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering waxy notes. Decanol is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, decanol is employed across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and green compositions. It serves as a modifier or background note, providing a subtle waxy and floral character. Decanol is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility is moderate, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Decanol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by FEMA.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.051.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards.
• Asia: In Japan and China, decanol is permitted for use in flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulations.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with specific use conditions varying by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, decanol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Decanol is valued for its ability to enhance creamy and fatty notes in flavors and provide subtle floral and waxy nuances in fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty alcohols and esters. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a composition if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in complex fragrance blends where its subtlety can add depth without overpowering other notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on decanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

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 2026-04-21 19:04:17 GMT (p2)