FlavScents AInsights Entry for epi-beta-santalene (CAS: 25532-78-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): epi-beta-santalene
- IUPAC Name: (3S,4S)-3,4-dimethyl-1-(propan-2-ylidene)cyclohexene
- CAS Number: 25532-78-9
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C15H24
- Molecular Weight: 204.35 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: epi-beta-santalene is a sesquiterpene, characterized by its cyclohexene ring and isopropylidene group, contributing to its woody and sandalwood-like aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: epi-beta-santalene is noted for its woody, sandalwood-like aroma with a subtle, sweet undertone. It is often described as having a warm, creamy, and slightly spicy scent profile.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing depth and warmth, often used to enhance the complexity of woody and oriental fragrance profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: epi-beta-santalene is primarily found in sandalwood oil, particularly from Santalum species. It may also be present in other essential oils derived from woody plants.
- Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, a common route for sesquiterpene production.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a naturally occurring compound in essential oils, epi-beta-santalene can be designated as a natural fragrance component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: While primarily used in fragrances, epi-beta-santalene can be utilized in flavor applications to impart woody and spicy notes, particularly in savory and exotic flavor profiles.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a background realism enhancer, adding complexity and depth to flavor formulations.
- Typical Use Levels: Not clearly reported; industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the low ppm range.
- Stability Considerations: epi-beta-santalene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, affecting its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in woody, oriental, and chypre fragrance families. It is suitable for use in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
- Functional Role: Acts as a modifier and impact note, providing warmth and depth to fragrance compositions.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: epi-beta-santalene is a middle to base note, contributing to the longevity and depth of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed; use may be subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international safety guidelines.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific information available; generally aligns with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found; typical exposure through flavor use is minimal, suggesting a low risk.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrance applications; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
- Inhalation Exposure: As a component of fragrances, inhalation exposure is expected to be low; no specific occupational hazards identified.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: epi-beta-santalene is prized for its ability to impart a rich, woody character to both flavors and fragrances, enhancing complexity and depth.
- Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other woody and oriental notes, such as cedarwood and patchouli, to create balanced compositions.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering woody scent; careful balancing is required.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-utilized in flavor applications due to its primary association with fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory profile and natural occurrence are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels in flavors are often based on industry norms rather than specific studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of specific regulatory listings and detailed 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
- 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 2026-09-28 13:42:16 GMT (p2)