FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate (CAS: 41654-15-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl (Z)-oct-5-enoate
• CAS Number: 41654-15-3
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 156.22 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is an ester, which typically contributes fruity and floral notes to its sensory profile. The presence of the unsaturated bond in the Z-configuration may influence its odor characteristics, potentially enhancing its diffusion and intensity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is characterized by a fruity, green, and slightly floral aroma. It is often described as having a fresh, apple-like scent with nuances of pear and melon.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported; however, esters like methyl (Z)-5-octenoate typically have low odor thresholds, contributing to their effectiveness as impact notes.
• Typical Sensory Role: This compound is primarily used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a fresh and fruity character that enhances the overall profile of the product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is found in various fruits, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It is naturally present in apples and pears.
• Formation Pathways: This ester can be formed through enzymatic reactions in fruits, where alcohols and acids are esterified. It may also be synthesized via chemical esterification in industrial settings.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its occurrence in natural sources, methyl (Z)-5-octenoate can be labeled as a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is used in fruit flavors, particularly apple, pear, and melon profiles. It is also employed in confectionery, beverages, and dairy products to enhance fruity notes.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as an impact note, providing a fresh and fruity character that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Typical Use Levels: Use levels in finished food or beverage products typically range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application.
• Stability Considerations: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which can affect its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: This compound is used in fruity and floral fragrance compositions, often in personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and perfumes.
• Functional Role: It serves as a modifier and impact note, adding freshness and a fruity character to fragrance blends.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Concentrations in fragrance formulations typically range from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired effect and product type.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is a volatile compound, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; however, its use in flavors is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Not specifically listed; use is subject to general safety and labeling regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international safety guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Regulatory status not clearly reported; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; generally considered safe at typical use levels in food.
• Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization reported; considered safe for use in personal care products at typical concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests potential for inhalation exposure; no specific occupational hazards reported at typical use levels.
• Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications; both are considered safe when used appropriately.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Methyl (Z)-5-octenoate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
• Typical Synergies: It blends well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the complexity and appeal of the formulation.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma; careful balancing with other components is essential.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and typical use levels are well-documented in industry literature.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in fragrance formulations may vary widely, with specific practices often undocumented.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of specific regulatory listings in some regions; reliance on general safety guidelines.

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 2026-05-11 18:37:43 GMT (p2)