FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Pentanone (CAS: 107-87-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Pentanone, Methyl propyl ketone
• IUPAC Name: Pentan-2-one
• CAS Number: 107-87-9
• FEMA Number: 2849
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.191
• Molecular Formula: C5H10O
• Molecular Weight: 86.13 g/mol

2-Pentanone is a simple ketone characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) located at the second carbon of a five-carbon chain. This functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its solvent-like, fruity aroma. The structure-odor relationship is significant as the carbonyl group imparts a sharpness and volatility that is typical of ketones.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Pentanone is known for its distinctive odor, often described as fruity, with nuances of acetone and a slight sweetness. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations, although specific threshold values are not clearly reported in the literature. Typically, it serves as a background realism enhancer or a modifier in complex formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Pentanone occurs naturally in various fruits and vegetables, including apples and bananas, where it contributes to their characteristic aromas. It can also form through the fermentation process and the Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their distinctive flavor. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Pentanone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery. It acts as a functional modifier, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering solvent-like notes. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 2-pentanone is employed across several fragrance families, including fruity and floral compositions. It serves as a trace realism enhancer and a modifier, contributing to the top notes due to its high volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired impact and product type.

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. 07.191.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, though specific regulations may vary.

Explicit approvals are well-documented, but formulators should verify country-specific guidelines due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-pentanone is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid evaporation, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent excessive inhalation in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Pentanone is valued for its ability to enhance the realism of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, but care must be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an undesirable solvent-like character. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking subtle complexity and authenticity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-pentanone is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory attributes and regulatory status. However, specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are not clearly reported, representing a minor data gap. Industry practices are generally consistent, though documentation may vary.

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 2026-02-02 07:34:28 GMT (p2)