FlavScents AInsights Entry for Scutellarein Tetramethyl Ether

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Scutellarein Tetramethyl Ether
• IUPAC Name: 5,6,7,4'-Tetramethoxyflavone
• CAS Number: 1168-42-9
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C19H18O7
• Molecular Weight: 358.34 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Scutellarein tetramethyl ether is a flavone derivative characterized by methoxy groups that may influence its odor profile. The presence of these groups can affect the compound's volatility and interaction with olfactory receptors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Scutellarein tetramethyl ether is noted for its mild, sweet, and slightly floral aroma. It may also exhibit subtle woody and herbal undertones.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found. Typically, thresholds for such compounds are determined through sensory panels and may vary based on matrix and concentration.
• Typical Sensory Role: This compound is often used as a modifier in fragrance compositions, providing subtle enhancements to floral and herbal notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Scutellarein tetramethyl ether is found in certain plant species, particularly within the Scutellaria genus.
• Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the methylation of scutellarein, a process facilitated by specific methyltransferase enzymes.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a naturally occurring compound in plants, it may qualify for natural labeling in flavors and fragrances, depending on extraction and processing methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Primarily used in herbal and floral flavor profiles, scutellarein tetramethyl ether can enhance the complexity of tea, honey, and botanical flavors.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a background realism enhancer, providing depth and subtlety to complex flavor systems.
• Typical Use Levels: Data not clearly reported. Industry-typical use levels might range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and application.
• Stability Considerations: Generally stable under neutral pH conditions but may degrade under acidic or high-temperature conditions, affecting its flavor contribution.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in floral, herbal, and woody fragrance families. Suitable for use in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
• Functional Role: Serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the overall fragrance profile with its subtle floral and herbal characteristics.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Exhibits moderate volatility, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found; typically requires compliance with local safety and labeling regulations.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found; generally follows international safety standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI, TTC, or MSDI. General safety assessments should be conducted based on typical use levels and exposure scenarios.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; however, as a fragrance ingredient, it should be evaluated under IFRA guidelines for dermal safety.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
• Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe at typical use levels in both food and fragrance applications, though specific studies are limited.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Scutellarein tetramethyl ether provides subtle complexity and depth to both flavors and fragrances, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other floral and herbal notes, as well as with citrus and woody elements, to create balanced compositions.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or unbalanced profile; careful calibration is essential.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized in formulations seeking natural or botanical authenticity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical identity and sensory characteristics are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications often rely on industry expertise and historical usage patterns.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data necessitate cautious application and thorough 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 2026-09-28 13:21:01 GMT (p2)