FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Tridecanone (CAS: 593-08-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Tridecanone
• IUPAC Name: Tridecan-2-one
• CAS Number: 593-08-8
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C13H26O
• Molecular Weight: 198.35 g/mol

2-Tridecanone is a saturated aliphatic ketone characterized by a long carbon chain with a ketone functional group at the second position. This structure contributes to its relatively low volatility and its role in providing a waxy, fatty odor profile. The ketone group is crucial for its odor characteristics, often described as green and herbaceous.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Tridecanone is known for its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as waxy, fatty, and slightly green. It has a moderate intensity and is typically used as a background note to enhance the realism of natural scents. The compound's diffusion is moderate, making it suitable for applications where a subtle, lingering scent is desired. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a modifier or enhancer in complex formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Tridecanone is naturally found in certain plants, including some species of the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids, which is a common pathway in plant metabolism. This compound can contribute to the natural flavor profile of foods, qualifying it for use in "natural flavor" designations under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 2-tridecanone is used to impart a subtle waxy and green note, often in conjunction with other compounds to create a balanced profile. It is commonly used in fruit and vegetable flavors, where it enhances the authenticity of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Tridecanone is utilized in fragrance formulations to provide a waxy, fatty note that can enhance the realism of floral and green fragrance families. It serves as a background modifier, contributing to the overall complexity of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility is low, making it more suitable for middle to base note applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors may be subject to general safety evaluations.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; may be used under general flavoring principles.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage likely follows general safety and flavoring guidelines.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory data not found; assumed to follow general flavor and fragrance safety standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, specific ADI or MSDI values for 2-tridecanone are not clearly reported. It is generally considered safe at low concentrations typical of flavor use. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications has not shown significant irritation or sensitization potential, aligning with its use in low concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, reducing occupational risk. Overall, the risk profile is low for both food and fragrance applications when used within typical industry guidelines.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Tridecanone is valued for its ability to enhance the authenticity of natural flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and floral notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate if used excessively, leading to an overly waxy profile. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle enhancement of natural characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-tridecanone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on general industry practices and safety evaluations. Known data gaps include precise sensory thresholds and comprehensive regional regulatory statuses.

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 2026-06-16 07:13:26 GMT (p2)