FlavScents AInsights Entry for (R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone (CAS: 22554-29-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone
- IUPAC Name: (R)-2-methylcyclohexanone
- CAS Number: 22554-29-6
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H12O
- Molecular Weight: 112.17 g/mol
(R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is a chiral ketone with a cyclohexane ring substituted by a methyl group and a ketone functional group. The presence of the ketone group is significant for its odor characteristics, contributing to its utility in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is characterized by a minty, camphoraceous odor with a moderate intensity. It is often used as a modifier in fragrance compositions to impart freshness and enhance the overall complexity of the scent. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
(R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It can be produced through the oxidation of 2-methylcyclohexanol or via catalytic hydrogenation of 2-methylcyclohexanone precursors. Its synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, (R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is used to impart minty and camphoraceous notes, often in confectionery, oral care products, and certain beverages. It acts as a background realism enhancer and is typically used at levels ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products. These values are industry-typical estimates, as specific documented ranges are not readily available. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
(R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is utilized in various fragrance families, including fresh, minty, and camphoraceous compositions. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
- Latin America: No specific data; adherence to MERCOSUR and local regulations is recommended.
Explicit approvals are not documented, and formulators should verify compliance with regional standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; use in flavors should be minimal and within industry-typical levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being more relevant for fragrance use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is valued for its ability to impart freshness and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other minty and camphoraceous compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily overpower a composition if overused. It is often under-utilized in complex blends where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (R)-2-methyl cyclohexanone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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
- Section 5a is not applicable as this is not a complex natural material
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 09:29:54 GMT (p2)