AInsights Entry for Heptanal (Aldehyde C-7) (CAS: 111-71-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Heptanal, Aldehyde C-7
• IUPAC Name: Heptanal
• CAS Number: 111-71-7
• FEMA Number: 2557
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O
• Molecular Weight: 114.19 g/mol

Heptanal is a saturated aliphatic aldehyde characterized by a seven-carbon chain. The aldehyde functional group contributes significantly to its odor profile, imparting a fatty, green, and citrus-like aroma. This structural feature is crucial for its role in both flavor and fragrance applications, where it serves as a key impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heptanal is known for its distinctive odor, often described as fatty, green, and citrus-like, with a hint of sweetness. It is a potent odorant with a relatively low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. In flavor applications, it is used to impart a fresh, fruity note, often enhancing citrus and green profiles. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing a sharp, fresh character that can be used to add realism and complexity to formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heptanal occurs naturally in various essential oils and is a component of the volatile profile of many fruits and vegetables, including apples, bananas, and citrus fruits. It can be formed through the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, a process that can occur during the ripening of fruits or the processing of oils. This natural occurrence supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Heptanal is used in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, green, and fruity profiles. It functions as an impact note, providing freshness and enhancing the authenticity of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but can be prone to oxidation, which formulators should consider when designing products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, heptanal is utilized across several fragrance families, including citrus, green, and marine. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Heptanal is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards for flavor use.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in countries like Brazil aligning with international standards.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though formulators should verify country-specific regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Heptanal is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels.

• Oral Exposure: The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not explicitly defined, but it is generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS.
• Dermal Exposure: It is not a known skin irritant or sensitizer, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, occupational exposure should be monitored, though it is not associated with significant inhalation risks at typical use levels.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should adhere to recommended guidelines to ensure safety.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heptanal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green, and citrus-like character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and citrus components, enhancing the overall freshness and realism of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or harsh aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its impact can be subtly integrated for added depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heptanal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-02-13 14:13:43 GMT (p2)