FlavScents AInsights Entry for Petitgrain Combava Oil (CAS: 91771-50-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Petitgrain combava oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and twigs of the kaffir lime tree (Citrus hystrix). It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for petitgrain combava oil is 91771-50-5. This oil does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its use in fragrance and flavor applications, often referenced in industry literature and regulatory documents.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Petitgrain combava oil is characterized by its fresh, green, and citrusy aroma with a hint of floral and woody undertones. The intensity of its scent is moderate, providing a refreshing and uplifting note. It is often used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, contributing to the overall freshness and complexity of the formulation. The oil's sensory role can vary from being a primary note to a subtle background enhancer, depending on the concentration used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Petitgrain combava oil is naturally sourced from the leaves and twigs of the kaffir lime tree, predominantly found in Southeast Asia. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation, a process that captures the volatile aromatic compounds. Its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic alteration.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, petitgrain combava oil is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note to a variety of products, including beverages, confectionery, and savory dishes. It functions as a flavor enhancer and modifier, often used in combination with other citrus oils to create a balanced profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Petitgrain combava oil is utilized in a wide range of fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and woody compositions. It serves as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and complexity. The oil is often used in personal care products, perfumes, and household items. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired olfactory impact and product type.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of petitgrain combava oil include limonene, linalool, and citronellal, which contribute to its characteristic citrusy and floral aroma. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, petitgrain combava oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulations may vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having specific guidelines for natural flavor and fragrance materials.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, petitgrain combava oil is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, although it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for safe use concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to the oil's low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation and protective equipment.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Petitgrain combava oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy note that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral ingredients, providing a balanced and complex profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add a unique twist.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on petitgrain combava oil is well-established, with consistent findings across sensory and regulatory literature. However, industry practices may vary, and some undocumented uses exist. Known data gaps include specific toxicological thresholds and regional regulatory nuances.
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 2026-11-02 14:04:17 GMT (p2)