FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1-Methyl Cyclohexene (CAS: 591-49-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 1-Methyl Cyclohexene
• IUPAC Name: 1-Methylcyclohexene
• CAS Number: 591-49-1
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C7H12
• Molecular Weight: 96.17 g/mol

1-Methyl cyclohexene is a cyclic alkene with a methyl group attached to the cyclohexene ring. The presence of the double bond and the methyl group contributes to its reactivity and potential odor characteristics. The structure-odor relationship is influenced by the unsaturation and the ring size, which can affect its volatility and sensory perception.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

1-Methyl cyclohexene is characterized by a mild, slightly sweet odor with nuances of citrus and floral notes. Its intensity is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background modifier in fragrance compositions. The compound's diffusion is relatively high due to its volatility, which can enhance the top notes in a fragrance blend. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is typically as a subtle enhancer rather than a primary impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

1-Methyl cyclohexene is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical processes such as the dehydration of 1-methylcyclohexanol. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin. However, it may be present in trace amounts in certain essential oils as a minor constituent formed during distillation or extraction processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

1-Methyl cyclohexene is not widely used in flavor applications due to its limited natural occurrence and synthetic origin. When used, it may contribute subtle citrus or floral notes to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest low ppm levels, often below 10 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components. Its stability under heat and acidic conditions is moderate, but it may be prone to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 1-methyl cyclohexene is used in small amounts to add freshness and lift to compositions. It can be found in citrus, floral, and green fragrance families, serving as a modifier or trace realism enhancer. Typical concentration ranges are low, often less than 1% of the total fragrance composition, due to its volatility and potential to dominate if used excessively. It primarily contributes to the top notes due to its high volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed by FEMA as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union: Not assigned an FL number under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited information available; not commonly used in regulated flavor or fragrance applications.
• Latin America: No specific regulatory status identified; usage likely follows general safety guidelines.

Explicit approvals for 1-methyl cyclohexene are limited, and its use is generally governed by broader safety and exposure guidelines rather than specific regulatory listings.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. General safety practices suggest minimizing exposure due to limited data.
• Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation or sensitization is low, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but occupational safety data is limited. Use in well-ventilated areas is recommended.

Risk profiles for food and fragrance applications may differ, with fragrance use requiring more attention to dermal and inhalation safety.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

1-Methyl cyclohexene is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and lift in fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes but should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the blend. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an unbalanced fragrance profile. It is often under-used due to its synthetic origin and limited natural occurrence.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 1-methyl cyclohexene is limited, with most information derived from industry practices and general chemical knowledge. Regulatory and safety data are not well-documented, leading to reliance on industry-typical practices and informed estimates. Known data gaps include specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological profiles.

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 2026-02-12 06:04:02 GMT (p2)