FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Oxobutyric Acid (CAS: 600-18-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Oxobutyric acid, α-Ketobutyric acid
• IUPAC Name: 2-Oxobutanoic acid
• CAS Number: 600-18-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.001
• Molecular Formula: C4H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 102.09 g/mol

2-Oxobutyric acid is a keto acid with a functional group that includes a ketone and a carboxylic acid. Its structure is significant in biochemical pathways, particularly in amino acid metabolism. The presence of the ketone group contributes to its reactivity and potential odor characteristics, although it is not primarily known for its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Oxobutyric acid is not typically characterized by a distinct odor or flavor profile, as its primary relevance is biochemical rather than sensory. However, in some contexts, it may contribute to a subtle sour or acidic note due to its carboxylic acid group. The sensory impact is generally minimal, and it is not used as a primary flavor or fragrance material.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Oxobutyric acid is naturally occurring in various metabolic pathways, particularly as an intermediate in the catabolism of amino acids such as threonine. It can be formed through enzymatic degradation processes and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of propionyl-CoA. Its presence in natural products is typically as a trace component rather than a primary constituent, which limits its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Oxobutyric acid is not commonly used as a direct flavoring agent due to its lack of distinctive sensory characteristics. However, it may be present as a minor component in complex flavor systems where it can contribute to the overall balance and realism of acidic or sour notes. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, reflecting its limited direct application in flavor formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-oxobutyric acid is not a primary ingredient due to its minimal odor profile. It may be present in trace amounts in complex formulations, contributing indirectly to the overall character of a fragrance. Its volatility is low, and it does not significantly impact the top, middle, or base notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA; its use is generally governed by broader regulations on food additives.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; its use would be subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; general food safety regulations apply.
• Latin America: No specific listings; subject to general food additive regulations.

The regulatory status of 2-oxobutyric acid is primarily governed by its role as a metabolic intermediate rather than a direct additive, leading to variability in explicit approvals.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. As a metabolic intermediate, it is generally considered safe at low exposure levels typical of its natural occurrence.
• Dermal Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its minimal use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility minimizes inhalation risk; occupational exposure considerations are minimal.

The risk profile of 2-oxobutyric acid is low, with no significant differences between food and fragrance applications due to its limited direct use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Oxobutyric acid is valuable primarily in biochemical contexts rather than direct formulation. Its role as a metabolic intermediate can be relevant in designing systems that mimic natural metabolic processes. Formulators should be aware of its limited sensory impact and focus on its biochemical relevance when considering its inclusion in complex systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-oxobutyric acid is well-established in biochemical literature but limited in flavor and fragrance contexts. Industry practices regarding its use are not well-documented, reflecting its secondary role in formulations. Known data gaps include specific sensory thresholds and detailed regulatory approvals.

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 (not applicable due to limited use)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)

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 2026-02-04 21:26:26 GMT (p2)