FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene (CAS: 28973-98-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene
• IUPAC Name: (3E,6Z)-3,7,11-trimethyl-1,3,6,10-dodecatetraene
• CAS Number: 28973-98-0
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C15H24
• Molecular Weight: 204.35 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon characterized by its polyunsaturated structure, which contributes to its volatility and distinctive green, woody aroma. The conjugated diene system is crucial for its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

(E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is known for its fresh, green, woody, and slightly floral aroma. It is often described as having a crisp apple-like scent, contributing to its use in both flavor and fragrance applications. The compound's intensity is moderate, with a diffusion that allows it to act as a background note, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used as a modifier or impact note in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

(E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is naturally found in the peel of green apples, as well as in other fruits and vegetables such as pears and potatoes. It is also present in some essential oils, including ginger and turmeric. The compound is biosynthesized via the mevalonate pathway, a common route for terpenoid formation in plants. Its presence in natural sources makes it relevant for "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is used to impart a fresh, green, and fruity note, particularly in apple and pear flavors. It is commonly employed in fruit-flavored beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. Typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

(E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is utilized in fragrance formulations for its fresh, green, and woody characteristics. It is often included in floral and fruity fragrance families, contributing to the top and middle notes. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to enhance the initial impression of a fragrance while providing a subtle, lingering effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. Specific regulatory status for fragrance use is not explicitly documented.
• European Union: Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, it is permitted for use in food flavorings. FL number status is not clearly reported.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory alignment with the EU remains, allowing its use in flavors.
• Asia: In Japan and China, it is used in flavors, but specific regulatory details are limited. ASEAN countries follow similar guidelines.
• Latin America: Brazil and MERCOSUR countries generally align with international standards, but specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is considered safe for consumption at typical flavor use levels. No specific ADI or MSDI values are reported, but it is used within industry-typical safety margins.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. IFRA standards do not list specific restrictions.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible, but no occupational hazards are reported at standard usage concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

(E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, natural green note, enhancing the authenticity of fruit flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and esters, providing a balanced profile. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for degradation under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on (E,Z)-alpha-farnesene is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include precise regulatory approvals in certain regions and detailed toxicological thresholds.

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 2026-03-02 13:54:50 GMT (p2)