FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl 2,4-decadienoate (CAS: 53172-59-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Methyl 2,4-decadienoate
- IUPAC Name: Methyl (2E,4E)-deca-2,4-dienoate
- CAS Number: 53172-59-1
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C11H18O2
- Molecular Weight: 182.26 g/mol
Methyl 2,4-decadienoate is an ester compound characterized by its conjugated diene system, which contributes to its distinctive odor profile. The presence of the ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor characteristics, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Methyl 2,4-decadienoate is known for its fruity and floral odor, often described as reminiscent of pear and apple with a hint of green nuances. Its intensity is moderate, providing a fresh and uplifting note that can enhance the overall sensory experience of a product. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, adding a realistic fruitiness that can be perceived even at low concentrations.
Taste and odor thresholds for methyl 2,4-decadienoate are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in trace amounts to achieve the desired sensory effect without overwhelming other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Methyl 2,4-decadienoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and pears, contributing to their characteristic aroma. It is formed through enzymatic processes during fruit ripening, where fatty acid derivatives undergo esterification and oxidation to produce this compound. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Methyl 2,4-decadienoate is primarily used in fruit flavor formulations, particularly those mimicking apple, pear, and other similar profiles. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and freshness of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix.
Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation. Formulators often use antioxidants to preserve its integrity in complex systems.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, methyl 2,4-decadienoate is utilized in fruity and floral compositions, often as a top note due to its volatility. It provides a fresh, green-fruity character that enhances the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the formulation and desired effect.
Its volatility makes it suitable for top and middle note contributions, providing an initial burst of freshness that transitions smoothly into other fragrance components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; use in flavors is subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety standards.
- Latin America: No specific data; typically aligns with international norms.
Regulatory treatment varies, with harmonized assumptions often applied in the absence of explicit listings. Formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral exposure to methyl 2,4-decadienoate is considered safe within typical 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. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at typical use levels.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, although formulators should consider cumulative exposure from multiple sources.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Methyl 2,4-decadienoate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing overall complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle, natural fruitiness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on methyl 2,4-decadienoate is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical use levels. However, specific regulatory listings and toxicological data are less comprehensive, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety assessments.
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 2026-10-21 14:44:43 GMT (p2)