FlavScents AInsights Entry for Juniper Muscone (CAS: 109-29-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Juniper Muscone
• IUPAC Name: 3-Methylcyclopentadecanone
• CAS Number: 109-29-5
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not found; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not found
• Molecular Formula: C16H30O
• Molecular Weight: 238.41 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Juniper muscone is a macrocyclic ketone, which is significant in perfumery due to its musky odor. The large ring structure contributes to its unique scent profile, often described as musky and animalic, with a subtle sweetness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Juniper muscone is characterized by its musky, animalic odor with a subtle sweet undertone. It is often used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing depth and warmth. The intensity of its scent is moderate, and it has a good diffusion, making it suitable for both top and base notes in perfumery. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used in trace amounts due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Juniper muscone is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in fragrances. It does not have a known natural source and is not associated with any specific formation pathways such as the Maillard reaction or fermentation. Its synthetic production allows it to be used in "natural fragrance" designations when derived from natural precursors.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Juniper muscone is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its strong musky odor, which is more suited to perfumery. When used, it serves as a background realism note in complex flavor systems, particularly in alcoholic beverages or savory applications. Typical use levels in flavors are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests trace amounts, often below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering the flavor profile. It is stable under typical flavor formulation conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, juniper muscone is valued for its musky, animalic scent, contributing to the base notes of a composition. It is used across various fragrance families, including oriental and woody types. Its functional role is often as a modifier or impact note, providing depth and warmth. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Juniper muscone has moderate volatility, contributing to both middle and base notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Juniper muscone does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status for flavor use. Its use in fragrances is not restricted by the FDA.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use. No specific FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited information available; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI. Typically not used in flavors, minimizing oral exposure risk.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrances at typical use levels. No significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk. No occupational exposure limits identified.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications due to its primary use in perfumery.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Juniper muscone is prized for its ability to impart a musky, animalic depth to fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other musks and woody notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a scent. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle musk character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on juniper muscone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, particularly for flavor use. Industry practices are well-documented, but some undocumented practices may exist.

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 2026-06-29 09:40:37 GMT (p2)