FlavScents AInsights Entry: Nonane (CAS: 111-84-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Nonane
• IUPAC Name: Nonane
• CAS Number: 111-84-2
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not applicable, CoE number not applicable, IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C9H20
• Molecular Weight: 128.26 g/mol

Nonane is a linear alkane hydrocarbon with nine carbon atoms. It is a saturated compound, meaning it contains only single bonds, which contributes to its relatively low reactivity. The structure of nonane is significant in terms of its odor profile, as linear alkanes tend to have a mild, gasoline-like odor. This characteristic is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications, where nonane can be used to impart a subtle, background note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Nonane is characterized by a mild, gasoline-like odor, which is typical of linear alkanes. Its odor intensity is relatively low, making it suitable for use as a background note in both flavors and fragrances. The diffusion of nonane is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other components without overpowering them. While specific taste and odor thresholds for nonane are not well-documented, its role is generally as a subtle modifier rather than a primary impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Nonane is not commonly found in nature in significant quantities. It is primarily a synthetic compound, produced through the refining of petroleum. In terms of natural occurrence, trace amounts of nonane can be found in some essential oils and plant extracts, but these are not significant enough to classify nonane as a naturally occurring compound. Its formation is typically associated with the distillation and cracking processes in the petrochemical industry.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Nonane is used in flavor applications primarily as a background note to provide subtle realism and complexity. It is not a primary flavoring agent but can enhance the overall profile of a flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry practices suggest low ppm levels, often below 10 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components. Nonane is stable under typical flavor formulation conditions, including moderate heat and neutral pH, but it may oxidize under extreme conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, nonane is used to impart a subtle, fresh, and slightly gasoline-like note. It is often included in fragrance families such as fougère and citrus to add depth and realism. Nonane acts as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of a fragrance without dominating it. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are low, often less than 0.1% of the total formulation. Due to its volatility, nonane contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Nonane is not specifically listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use, but it is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
• European Union: Nonane does not have a specific FL number and is not explicitly regulated under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status of nonane aligns with EU regulations, with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: In Japan, China, and ASEAN countries, nonane is not specifically regulated for flavor or fragrance use, but general safety standards apply.
• Latin America: In Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, nonane is not specifically regulated, but general safety and labeling requirements must be followed.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Nonane is considered to have low toxicity when used in flavor and fragrance applications. For oral exposure, specific ADI or MSDI values are not available, but nonane is generally recognized as safe at low concentrations. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is unlikely to cause irritation or sensitization, and nonane is not listed as a restricted substance by IFRA. Inhalation exposure, particularly in occupational settings, should be minimized due to its volatility, but nonane is not considered a significant inhalation hazard at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Nonane is valued for its ability to add subtle complexity and realism to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other alkanes and hydrocarbons, enhancing their effects without overpowering them. A common pitfall is using nonane at too high a concentration, which can lead to an undesirable gasoline-like odor. It is often under-used in formulations where a subtle background note could enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on nonane is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and basic sensory characteristics. However, specific use levels and regulatory details are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices. There are known data gaps in terms of precise sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological evaluations, which formulators should consider when using nonane.

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 for nonane)

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 2026-09-28 11:48:56 GMT (p2)