FlavScents AInsights Entry for (E)-2-pentenal (CAS: 1576-87-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (E)-2-pentenal, pent-2-enal
- IUPAC Name: (E)-pent-2-enal
- CAS Number: 1576-87-0
- FEMA Number: 3425
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.061
- Molecular Formula: C5H8O
- Molecular Weight: 84.12 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure-Odor Relevance: (E)-2-pentenal is an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde, which contributes to its characteristic pungent, green, and slightly fruity odor. The presence of the aldehyde group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory properties, often imparting a fresh, green note in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(E)-2-pentenal is characterized by its strong, pungent odor with green, grassy, and slightly fruity notes. It is often described as having a fresh, penetrating aroma that can be perceived at low concentrations. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a fresh and natural character. Odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its intense aroma suggests it is effective at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(E)-2-pentenal is naturally found in various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes and apples, where it contributes to their fresh aroma. It can also form through the oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, a process common in the Maillard reaction during food processing. Its presence in natural sources supports its use in "natural flavor" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(E)-2-pentenal is used in flavor formulations to impart fresh, green notes, often in fruit and vegetable flavors. It is commonly used in applications such as beverages, confectionery, and savory products. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, (E)-2-pentenal is valued for its ability to add freshness and a natural green character. It is used in various fragrance families, including green, floral, and fruity compositions. Its role can vary from a trace realism enhancer to a prominent impact note. Typical concentrations range from 0.01% to 0.1% in formulations, contributing primarily to the top notes due to its volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 05.061.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, (E)-2-pentenal is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with a margin of safety supported by its FEMA GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at typical use concentrations, though occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(E)-2-pentenal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green note, enhancing the authenticity of fruit and vegetable flavors. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and esters, but care must be taken to avoid overpowering the formulation. It is often underused due to its intense aroma, requiring precise dosing to achieve the desired effect without overwhelming other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on (E)-2-pentenal is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. However, specific odor thresholds and detailed toxicological data are less documented, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices and expert judgment in formulation.
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
- No complex natural material section required
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 2026-11-04 14:01:33 GMT (p2)