FlavScents AInsights Entry for Caryophyllene (CAS: 13877-93-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Caryophyllene
• IUPAC Name: (1R,9S)-4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylidenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene
• CAS Number: 13877-93-5
• FEMA Number: 2252
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.821
• Molecular Formula: C15H24
• Molecular Weight: 204.35 g/mol

Caryophyllene is a bicyclic sesquiterpene characterized by its unique structure, which includes a cyclobutane ring—a rarity among natural products. This structural feature contributes to its distinctive spicy and woody aroma, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Caryophyllene is known for its spicy, woody, and slightly peppery aroma, often described as reminiscent of cloves. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in complex formulations. The taste threshold of caryophyllene is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to impart noticeable character even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Caryophyllene is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including clove oil, rosemary, and hops. It is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where it serves as a defense compound against herbivores and pathogens. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on extraction and processing methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Caryophyllene is utilized in flavor formulations for its ability to impart spicy and woody notes, commonly used in savory applications such as sauces, meats, and spice blends. Typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is generally stable under heat and acidic conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, caryophyllene is valued for its versatility across various fragrance families, including woody, spicy, and oriental. It functions as a middle to base note, providing depth and complexity. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with both top and base notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Caryophyllene is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.821.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory status aligns with the EU post-Brexit.
• Asia: Generally accepted in Japan and China, though specific regulations may vary.
• Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, though formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Caryophyllene is considered safe for oral consumption at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, though occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Caryophyllene's value lies in its ability to enhance complexity and authenticity in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other spicy and woody notes, though care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in sweet applications, where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on caryophyllene is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory properties and regulatory status. However, specific numeric safety thresholds are less documented, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices. Known data gaps include precise taste thresholds and detailed regional regulatory nuances.

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 2026-09-28 13:46:53 GMT (p2)