FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dihydrocarvyl Acetate (CAS: 20777-49-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Dihydrocarvyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 2-Methyl-5-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl acetate
- CAS Number: 20777-49-5
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not clearly reported
- Molecular Formula: C12H20O2
- Molecular Weight: 196.29 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is an ester, which typically contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile. The cyclohexyl ring and acetate group are crucial for its olfactory characteristics, providing a balance of woody and fresh notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is characterized by a fresh, woody, and slightly minty aroma with subtle fruity undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions, adding freshness and complexity. In flavors, it can enhance the perception of naturalness and depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized from carvone, which is present in essential oils like spearmint and caraway.
- Formation Pathways: It is typically produced through the esterification of dihydrocarveol, a derivative of carvone, with acetic acid.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: While it can be derived from natural precursors, dihydrocarvyl acetate itself is often considered a synthetic compound in regulatory contexts.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Commonly used in mint, citrus, and herbal flavor profiles. It is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, clean taste.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a modifier and enhancer, providing a natural and refreshing note.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 1 to 10 ppm in finished food products, with typical levels around 5 ppm. These values are industry-typical estimates.
- Stability Considerations: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Widely used in woody, citrus, and herbal fragrance families. Suitable for use in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners.
- Functional Role: Provides trace realism and acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of fragrance compositions.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not clearly reported; typically follows international standards.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not clearly reported; generally aligns with international norms.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances; no significant irritation or sensitization reported. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Dihydrocarvyl acetate is prized for its ability to impart freshness and complexity to both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other minty, citrus, and herbal notes, enhancing their naturalness and depth.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering minty note; balance with other components is crucial.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in complex fragrance compositions where its subtlety can enhance overall harmony.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Basic chemical identity and sensory characteristics are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and functional roles are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited, requiring reliance on general safety standards.
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 10:54:32 GMT (p2)