FlavScents AInsights Entry for Hesperetin (CAS: 520-33-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Hesperetin
• IUPAC Name: (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one
• CAS Number: 520-33-2
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.014
• Molecular Formula: C16H14O6
• Molecular Weight: 302.28 g/mol

Hesperetin is a flavanone, a type of flavonoid, characterized by its three-ring structure with hydroxyl groups that contribute to its antioxidant properties. The presence of methoxy and hydroxy groups influences its solubility and interaction with other compounds, impacting its odor and flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Hesperetin is known for its mild, sweet citrus-like aroma, often described as reminiscent of oranges. It has a moderate intensity and is typically used as a background note to enhance the realism of citrus flavors. The taste threshold of hesperetin is not well-documented, but it is generally considered to have a low impact on taste at typical usage levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Hesperetin is naturally found in citrus fruits, particularly in the peels of oranges and lemons. It is formed through the enzymatic hydrolysis of hesperidin, a glycoside, during the ripening of citrus fruits. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its direct extraction from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Hesperetin is primarily used in citrus flavor formulations, enhancing the authenticity and depth of orange and lemon profiles. It serves as a background realism enhancer and is typically used at low levels, often below 10 ppm in finished products. Stability is generally good under acidic conditions but can degrade with prolonged heat exposure.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, hesperetin is used in citrus and floral compositions, contributing to the top and middle notes. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and naturalness of the scent. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 0.1%, due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA, but its natural occurrence in citrus may imply general acceptance.
• European Union: Recognized under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.014.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data, but generally accepted in natural flavor contexts.
• Latin America: Acceptance varies; generally recognized in natural citrus flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI established; generally considered safe at low levels typical in citrus fruits.
• Dermal Exposure: Low risk of irritation or sensitization; not a common allergen.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure is minimal.

Hesperetin's safety profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences in risk.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Hesperetin is valued for its ability to enhance the authenticity of citrus flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus compounds like limonene and citral. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under heat and avoid overuse, which can lead to an overly sweet or artificial profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on hesperetin is well-established in terms of its natural occurrence and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on its natural presence in citrus fruits for safety assumptions.

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
• No section 5a required as hesperetin is a single compound

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 2026-02-02 18:43:25 GMT (p2)