FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Methyl Heptadecane (CAS: 6418-44-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-Methyl Heptadecane
• IUPAC Name: 3-Methylheptadecane
• CAS Number: 6418-44-6
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C18H38
• Molecular Weight: 254.49 g/mol

3-Methyl heptadecane is a saturated hydrocarbon with a branched structure. The presence of a methyl group on the third carbon of the heptadecane chain can influence its physical properties and potentially its interaction with olfactory receptors, although it is primarily noted for its role in non-odorant applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-Methyl heptadecane is not typically characterized by a distinct odor or flavor profile, as it is a saturated hydrocarbon. Its sensory attributes are generally considered neutral, making it less relevant in direct flavor or fragrance applications. However, its presence can subtly influence the overall texture or mouthfeel in formulations where it is used as a solvent or carrier.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-Methyl heptadecane is not commonly found in nature as a standalone compound. It can be a minor component in complex mixtures such as essential oils or plant waxes. Its formation is typically associated with synthetic processes rather than natural biosynthetic pathways, making it less relevant for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

3-Methyl heptadecane is not widely used as a flavoring agent due to its lack of distinct taste or aroma. When used, it serves as a solvent or carrier in flavor systems, contributing to the stability and delivery of more volatile flavor compounds. Typical use levels are not well-documented, but it is generally employed at low concentrations, often below 10 ppm, to avoid altering the intended flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 3-methyl heptadecane is utilized primarily as a solvent or diluent. It does not contribute a significant olfactory note but can aid in the even distribution of fragrance compounds. Its volatility is low, classifying it as a base note contributor in terms of its physical properties rather than scent. Typical concentrations are qualitative and depend on the formulation requirements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed under FEMA 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 specific regulatory data; assumed to follow general hydrocarbon guidelines.
• Latin America: No specific data; likely follows general international standards for hydrocarbons.

3-Methyl heptadecane is generally considered safe for use as a solvent or carrier, with regulatory focus on its physical properties rather than flavor or fragrance impact.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its non-flavorant role; no specific ADI or MSDI established.
• Dermal Exposure: Considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing in typical use concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure limits are not specifically defined.

The risk profile of 3-methyl heptadecane is low across all exposure routes, with its primary safety considerations related to its use as a solvent or carrier rather than a direct flavor or fragrance agent.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-Methyl heptadecane is valued for its role as a stable, non-reactive solvent or carrier. It is often used to enhance the stability and delivery of more volatile compounds. Formulators should be aware of its potential to alter the viscosity of formulations and ensure compatibility with other ingredients. Overuse can lead to undesirable textural changes, while underuse may compromise the stability of volatile components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 3-methyl heptadecane is well-established regarding its chemical identity and physical properties. However, specific sensory and regulatory data are limited due to its primary use as a solvent or carrier. Industry practices are informed by general hydrocarbon guidelines rather than compound-specific studies.

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 2026-03-30 11:46:07 GMT (p2)