FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methyl-2-pentenoic Acid (CAS: 3142-72-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methyl-2-pentenoic acid
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methylpent-2-enoic acid
• CAS Number: 3142-72-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C6H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 114.14 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Methyl-2-pentenoic acid is characterized by a carboxylic acid group and a double bond, which contribute to its reactivity and potential odor profile. The presence of the double bond in the structure may influence its volatility and sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: The compound is known for its pungent, sour, and somewhat fruity odor. It may also exhibit a sharp, acidic taste.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
• Typical Sensory Role: It is often used as an impact note due to its strong and distinctive odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: 2-Methyl-2-pentenoic acid is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: It can be synthesized through chemical reactions involving the oxidation of corresponding alcohols or aldehydes.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, it is not typically classified under natural flavors or fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Used in savory and fruity flavor formulations to impart a sharp, tangy note.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a modifier to enhance or balance other flavor components.
• Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels are not clearly reported; however, it is generally used at low concentrations due to its potent odor.
• Stability Considerations: It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Utilized in niche fragrance compositions, particularly those requiring a sharp, acidic note.
• Functional Role: Serves as a trace realism component or modifier.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used in trace amounts due to its strong odor.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It is a volatile compound, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; specific status not reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found; typical practice involves using low concentrations to minimize potential toxicity.
• Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatile nature suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures recommended.
• Risk Profiles: Differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls typically applied in fragrance use due to dermal exposure risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Offers a unique, sharp note that can enhance or modify existing flavor or fragrance profiles.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with fruity and savory notes to create complex profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering and undesirable sensory characteristics.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used due to its potent nature; careful balancing is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Limited due to its niche application.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and applications are often based on industry experience rather than documented studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of comprehensive regulatory and toxicological data.

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 where possible.
• 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 2026-10-20 18:45:23 GMT (p2)