FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tricyclene (CAS: 508-32-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Tricyclene
- IUPAC Name: Tricyclo[2.2.1.0²,⁶]heptane
- CAS Number: 508-32-7
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H10
- Molecular Weight: 94.15 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Tricyclene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a compact, rigid structure. Its structure contributes to its characteristic camphoraceous odor, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Tricyclene is known for its camphoraceous, woody, and slightly minty odor. It is often described as having a fresh, clean scent with moderate intensity and diffusion.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: In formulations, tricyclene serves as an impact note, providing a fresh and clean character to both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Tricyclene is naturally found in various essential oils, including those of pine and other coniferous trees.
- Formation Pathways: It is typically formed through the biosynthesis of monoterpenes in plants, involving the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Tricyclene can be considered a natural component when derived from essential oils, aligning with natural flavor and fragrance designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Tricyclene is used in mint, pine, and herbal flavor profiles.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, enhancing freshness and providing a camphoraceous note.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not readily available; however, industry-typical levels are estimated to be in the low ppm range in finished products.
- Stability Considerations: Tricyclene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in woody, fresh, and herbal fragrance families.
- Functional Role: Tricyclene serves as a trace realism note, adding freshness and complexity.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used in trace amounts, often less than 1% of the total fragrance composition.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the top notes due to its volatility.
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): Not specifically listed; general monoterpene regulations apply.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory status not documented; general monoterpene guidelines may apply.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; general monoterpene safety guidelines suggest low toxicity at typical use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific IFRA restrictions; generally considered non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Tricyclene provides a unique camphoraceous note that enhances freshness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other monoterpenes and minty or woody notes.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering camphoraceous character.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle fresh note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific regulatory details are often based on industry norms rather than explicit documentation.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited.
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 2026-08-12 08:17:40 GMT (p2)