AInsights Entry for (Z)-4-decenal (CAS: 21662-09-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (Z)-4-decenal
- IUPAC Name: (Z)-dec-4-enal
- CAS Number: 21662-09-9
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not found
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O
- Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: (Z)-4-decenal is an unsaturated aldehyde, characterized by a double bond in the Z configuration. This structural feature contributes to its distinctive odor profile, often described as fatty, green, and citrus-like, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: (Z)-4-decenal is noted for its strong, fatty, green, and citrus-like aroma. It is often described as having a fresh, aldehydic character with nuances of orange peel and waxy notes.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is known to be potent, requiring careful dosing in formulations.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions, providing freshness and enhancing citrus profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: (Z)-4-decenal is found in various citrus oils, including orange and grapefruit. It is also present in some essential oils derived from plants.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the oxidative degradation of fatty acids or via enzymatic processes in plants.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing natural flavors or fragrances, depending on the extraction and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in citrus, fruity, and green flavor profiles. It is utilized in beverages, confectionery, and savory products to impart freshness and enhance citrus notes.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as an impact note and modifier, providing a fresh, aldehydic character.
- Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and application.
- Stability Considerations: (Z)-4-decenal is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can be prone to oxidation. It should be protected from light and air to maintain its integrity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Utilized in citrus, green, and aldehydic fragrance families. Commonly found in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
- Functional Role: Serves as a top note, providing freshness and enhancing citrus and green accords.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Used at concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: As a volatile compound, it contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not clearly reported; should be used in accordance with EU flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Specific regulatory status not found; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found; adherence to regional guidelines is recommended.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure (Flavor Use): No specific ADI or MSDI reported; usage should be guided by industry standards and safety assessments.
- Dermal Exposure (Fragrance Use): Generally considered safe at typical usage levels; potential for irritation or sensitization is low but should be evaluated in final formulations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications have been reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: (Z)-4-decenal is prized for its ability to impart freshness and enhance citrus and green notes in both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other citrus and green notes, as well as aldehydic compounds, to create balanced and vibrant compositions.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or harsh character; careful dosing is essential.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be masked by other strong notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and natural occurrence are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and stability considerations are based on industry norms.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed 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 2026-08-19 05:05:50 GMT (p2)
