FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-methyl-2-pentenal (CAS: 623-36-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methyl-2-pentenal
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methylpent-2-enal
• CAS Number: 623-36-9
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C6H10O
• Molecular Weight: 98.15 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Methyl-2-pentenal is an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde. The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to its characteristic pungent and green odor, which is often associated with fresh and leafy notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Methyl-2-pentenal is characterized by its strong, pungent odor with green, leafy, and slightly citrus-like notes. It is often described as having a fresh, aldehydic quality that can be quite intense. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and natural green character. Specific odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but its potent nature suggests it is effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Methyl-2-pentenal is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through synthetic pathways. It may be produced during the degradation of certain plant materials or through the Maillard reaction, which involves amino acids and reducing sugars. Its presence in natural products is limited, and it is primarily used in synthetic formulations. The compound does not typically qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Methyl-2-pentenal is used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, green note. It is commonly applied in fruit, vegetable, and herbal flavor profiles. The compound serves as a modifier, enhancing the realism and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-methyl-2-pentenal is valued for its ability to add a fresh, green note to compositions. It is used in a variety of fragrance families, including floral, green, and citrus. The compound acts as a top note due to its volatility, providing an initial burst of freshness. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, depending on the desired effect and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and usage standards apply.
• Latin America: No specific data; general safety and usage standards apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values reported; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should consider IFRA guidelines for aldehydes.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring careful consideration of dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Methyl-2-pentenal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and green notes, enhancing the overall freshness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent nature, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-methyl-2-pentenal is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general usage. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and 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 2026-11-04 14:04:00 GMT (p2)