FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Isopropyl Phenol (CAS: 88-69-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-Isopropyl phenol, o-Cumenol
- IUPAC Name: 2-Isopropylphenol
- CAS Number: 88-69-7
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C9H12O
- Molecular Weight: 136.19 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Isopropyl phenol is characterized by an isopropyl group attached to a phenolic ring. The presence of the hydroxyl group contributes to its phenolic odor, while the isopropyl group influences its volatility and diffusion properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-Isopropyl phenol is known for its phenolic, medicinal odor with a moderate intensity. It is often described as having a slightly woody and spicy character, which can be perceived as somewhat antiseptic. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is typically used as a background note to add depth and complexity to fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
2-Isopropyl phenol is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the alkylation of phenol with propylene. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin. However, it may be present in trace amounts in certain essential oils as a result of complex biosynthetic pathways.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2-Isopropyl phenol is not widely used in flavor applications due to its strong phenolic odor, which can be overpowering. When used, it serves as a background note to enhance the complexity of savory flavors. Typical use levels in food are not well-documented, but it is generally used at low concentrations, often below 1 ppm, to avoid dominating the flavor profile. It is stable under typical 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-isopropyl phenol is valued for its ability to impart a medicinal, phenolic note that can add authenticity to certain fragrance families, such as fougère and woody compositions. It is typically used in trace amounts, often less than 0.1% of the total fragrance composition, to provide a subtle background complexity. Its volatility places it in the middle note category, contributing to the fragrance's heart.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors and fragrances should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific information; general safety and labeling practices apply.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; general safety practices should be followed.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; use in flavors should be minimal to avoid potential toxicity.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
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-Isopropyl phenol is valuable for its ability to impart a phenolic, medicinal note that can enhance the authenticity of certain fragrance and flavor compositions. It synergizes well with woody and spicy notes but should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an undesirable medicinal character. It is often under-used due to its potent odor profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 2-isopropyl phenol is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data. Industry practices often rely on informed estimates and general safety guidelines due to these gaps.
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 2026-02-12 16:51:48 GMT (p2)