1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene

Full Material List

5-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	2809-64-5
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	N/A
Synonyms	5- methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene 5- methyltetralin naphthalene, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-5-methyl- 1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-8-methylnaphthalene
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII	888WK5BNU1
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	146.23258
Molecular Formula	C11 H14

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	water, 11.21 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Occurrence	found in nature

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene (CAS: 2809-64-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is a chemical compound with the CAS number 2809-64-5. Its IUPAC name is 8-methyltetralin. This compound does not have a FEMA number assigned. The molecular formula is C11H14, and it has a molecular weight of 146.23 g/mol. Structurally, it is a derivative of naphthalene with a methyl group at the 8th position and a partially saturated ring system. The presence of the methyl group and the tetrahydro structure can influence its odor characteristics, contributing to its relevance in fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is known for its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as woody, musky, and slightly floral. The intensity of its scent is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note in complex fragrance compositions. The diffusion of this compound is relatively stable, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance materials. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used to impart a subtle, naturalistic character to fragrance products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in fragrance applications. Its formation is primarily through chemical synthesis rather than natural biosynthetic pathways. As such, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks. Its synthetic origin allows for consistent quality and availability for industrial use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is not widely used in flavor applications due to its primary association with fragrance. However, when used, it can contribute a subtle woody note to certain flavor profiles. Typical use levels in flavors are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest it might be used at low concentrations, typically below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components. Its stability under various conditions, such as heat and pH, makes it a versatile component in flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is valued for its woody and musky notes. It is commonly used in the creation of perfumes and personal care products, fitting well within the woody and oriental fragrance families. Its role is often as a background realism note or a modifier, enhancing the complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It contributes primarily to the middle and base notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status for flavor use. In the European Union, it is subject to the general provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, but it does not have a specific FL number. The regulatory status in the United Kingdom aligns with the EU post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, specific regulations may vary, and it is advisable to consult local guidelines. In Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, it is generally treated under harmonized fragrance regulations, but specific approvals should be verified.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is not commonly used in food, and thus specific ADI or MSDI values are not established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications suggests low irritation potential, but sensitization data is limited, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. Overall, the risk profile is more relevant to fragrance than flavor applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

This compound is valuable for its ability to impart a naturalistic woody character to fragrances. It synergizes well with other woody and musky notes, enhancing the depth and complexity of the scent. A common pitfall is overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent profile. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, sophisticated woody background.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-methyl naphthalene is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, particularly for flavor use. Industry practices often rely on empirical knowledge and historical usage patterns.

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 13:22:27 GMT (p2)

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