FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Heptanone (CAS: 106-35-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
3-Heptanone, also known as ethyl butyl ketone, is a single chemical compound with the IUPAC name heptan-3-one. It is identified by the CAS number 106-35-4. The FEMA number for 3-heptanone is 2555. Other identifiers include the FL number 07.191 and CoE number 499. The molecular formula of 3-heptanone is C7H14O, and it has a molecular weight of 114.19 g/mol. This compound features a ketone functional group, which is significant for its odor characteristics, contributing to its fruity and slightly pungent scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
3-Heptanone is characterized by its fruity, banana-like odor with a hint of green and a slightly pungent undertone. It is often described as having moderate intensity and diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a distinct fruity character. The odor threshold for 3-heptanone is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
3-Heptanone occurs naturally in various fruits and is a product of the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids. It can also be formed through fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on its method of extraction and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, 3-heptanone is used across various categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery flavors. It functions primarily as an impact note, enhancing the fruity character of formulations. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
3-Heptanone is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within fruity and green fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding a fresh, fruity note to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity. Due to its volatility, 3-heptanone contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, 3-heptanone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil, 3-heptanone is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, 3-heptanone is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent irritation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
3-Heptanone is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and green notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential degradation under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in formulations where a subtle fruity note is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 3-heptanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary. There are no significant data gaps, but formulators should verify regulatory compliance in specific regions.
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 14:28:17 GMT (p2)