FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Dodecanone (CAS: 6175-49-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Dodecanone, Methyl Nonyl Ketone
• IUPAC Name: Dodecan-2-one
• CAS Number: 6175-49-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C12H24O
• Molecular Weight: 184.32 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Dodecanone is a ketone with a long carbon chain, contributing to its fatty, waxy odor profile. The ketone group is crucial for its odor characteristics, providing a balance between volatility and persistence.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Dodecanone is characterized by a fatty, waxy odor with nuances of coconut and a mild, sweet undertone. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in fragrance compositions. The taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Dodecanone is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways such as the oxidation of dodecane or through the decarboxylation of lauric acid. Its presence in natural products is rare, and it is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Dodecanone is used in flavor applications primarily for its fatty and waxy notes, which can enhance creamy or coconut-like profiles. It is utilized in flavor categories such as dairy, confectionery, and tropical fruit. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 2-dodecanone is used across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing a creamy, waxy background that enhances the overall composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, contributing primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed safe under general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety guidelines.
• Latin America: No specific data; assumed to follow international norms.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; use should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in low concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests limited occupational exposure risk; standard ventilation practices recommended.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but concentration limits should be observed to ensure safety.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Dodecanone is valued for its ability to impart creamy, waxy notes that enhance the richness of formulations. It synergizes well with other fatty and tropical notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity and ensure it is balanced within the composition to avoid masking other elements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-dodecanone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on general industry practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include precise sensory thresholds and comprehensive regulatory listings.

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 2026-03-29 08:00:04 GMT (p2)