FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol (CAS: 104-76-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol
• IUPAC Name: 2-Ethylhexan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 104-76-7
• FEMA Number: 3155
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O
• Molecular Weight: 130.23 g/mol

2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is a branched-chain fatty alcohol. Its structure includes a hydroxyl group, which contributes to its moderate polarity and ability to participate in hydrogen bonding. This structural feature is significant for its odor profile, as it influences volatility and interaction with olfactory receptors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is characterized by a mild, slightly floral odor with a hint of citrus and a fatty undertone. It is often described as having a medium intensity and moderate diffusion. The compound is typically used as a background note to enhance the realism of floral and fruity compositions. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations to avoid overpowering other components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is not commonly found in nature but can be produced through the oxo process, which involves the hydroformylation of propylene followed by hydrogenation. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is used in various flavor applications, particularly in enhancing fruity and floral notes. It serves as a modifier and impact note in flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to undesirable off-notes. It is relatively stable under normal 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-ethyl-1-hexanol is utilized across multiple fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and provides trace realism. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly established but generally recognized as low risk. Dermal exposure in fragrances may cause mild irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and it is included in IFRA standards for safe use. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Ethyl-1-hexanol is valued for its ability to enhance the realism of floral and fruity compositions. It synergizes well with esters and aldehydes. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is well-established, particularly in terms of its sensory profile and regulatory status. However, specific odor thresholds and detailed toxicological data are less documented, representing a gap in the literature.

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
• Section 5a is not applicable as this is not a complex natural material

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 2026-08-10 19:49:24 GMT (p2)