| CAS (Single) | 99-87-6 |
| FEMA | 2356 |
| EINECS | 202-796-7 |
| Synonyms |
|
| JECFA Food Flavoring | 1325 |
| JECFA Food Additive | N/A |
| DG SANTE Food Flavourings | 01.002 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene |
| DG SANTE Food Contact Materials | N/A |
| FDA UNII | 1G1C8T1N7Q |
| CoE Number | 620 |
| XlogP3-AA | 4.10 (est) |
| Molecular Weight | 134.22158 |
| Molecular Formula | C10 H14 |
| Food Chemicals Codex Listed | Yes |
| Appearance | colorless to pale yellow clear liquid (est) |
| Assay | 97.00 to 100.00 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.85300 to 0.85500 @ 25.00 °C. |
| Lbs/Gal (est) | 7.098 to 7.114 |
| Refractive Index | 1.48900 to 1.49100 @ 20.00 °C. |
| Melting Point | -68.90 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg |
| Boiling Point | 176.00 to 178.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg |
| Flash Point | 117.00 °F. TCC ( 47.22 °C. ) |
| Acid Value | 1.00 max. KOH/g |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.460000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C. |
| Vapor Density | 4.62 ( Air = 1 ) |
| logP (o/w) | 4.1 |
| Soluble In |
|
| Occurrence |
|
| Organoleptic Notes |
|
| Odor | terpenic fresh, citrus, terpenic, woody, spicy, chemical, lemon, cumin, origanum, cilantro |
| Flavor | terpenic terpenic, rancid, woody, citrus, spicy, pepper, bell, origanum, |
para-Cymene is a monoterpenoid hydrocarbon characterized by a benzene ring substituted with a methyl group and an isopropyl group. Its structure contributes to its aromatic properties, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications. The presence of the isopropyl group influences its volatility and odor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
para-Cymene is known for its pleasant, mild, and sweet aroma with citrus and terpenic notes. It is often described as having a fresh, woody, and slightly spicy scent. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as a background note, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of citrus and herbal profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
para-Cymene is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including cumin, thyme, and oregano. It is also a component of the oil of eucalyptus and is present in the peel of citrus fruits. The compound can form through the dehydrogenation of p-menthane or as a byproduct of the oxidation of limonene. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
para-Cymene is utilized in flavor formulations for its ability to enhance citrus, herbal, and spice profiles. It is commonly used in beverages, confectionery, and savory products. Typical use levels in food range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
In fragrance applications, para-Cymene is valued for its fresh and uplifting scent, fitting well within citrus, herbal, and woody fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations in perfumes range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
For oral exposure, para-Cymene is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent respiratory irritation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
para-Cymene is a versatile ingredient that enhances the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and citrus components, providing a fresh and natural character. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often underutilized in herbal and spice profiles, where it can add depth and authenticity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
The data on para-Cymene is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in source material. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
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 10:50:19 GMT (p2)
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