FlavScents AInsights Entry: Petitgrain Absolute France (CAS: 8014-17-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Petitgrain absolute France is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and green twigs of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium). It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for petitgrain absolute is 8014-17-3. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and its presence in various fragrance and flavor databases.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Petitgrain absolute is characterized by its fresh, floral, and slightly woody aroma with a hint of citrus. It is often described as having a green and slightly bitter undertone, contributing to its complexity. The intensity is moderate, and it serves as both an impact note and a modifier in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is known for its ability to blend well with other citrus and floral notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Petitgrain absolute is naturally sourced from the bitter orange tree, specifically from its leaves and twigs. The extraction process typically involves solvent extraction, which captures the aromatic compounds. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations due to its botanical origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, petitgrain absolute is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note with floral nuances. It is commonly used in beverages, confectionery, and bakery products. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Petitgrain absolute is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, fitting into fragrance families such as citrus, floral, and woody. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing freshness and complexity. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired effect. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Key constituents of petitgrain absolute include linalyl acetate, linalool, and geranyl acetate, among others. The composition can vary significantly based on the origin, harvest time, and extraction method. These constituents are responsible for its characteristic aroma and contribute to its functional properties in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, petitgrain absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavor materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil follow MERCOSUR regulations, which align closely with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, petitgrain absolute is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, as noted by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Petitgrain absolute is valued for its ability to impart freshness and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions and should consider its stability under various conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on petitgrain absolute is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical uses. However, specific quantitative data on thresholds and regulatory nuances may vary. Industry practices often rely on qualitative assessments and historical usage patterns.

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
• Includes section 5a for 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 2026-03-27 16:31:47 GMT (p2)