AInsights Entry for Anisaldehyde (CAS: 50984-52-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Anisaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: 4-methoxybenzaldehyde
• CAS Number: 50984-52-6
• FEMA Number: 2670
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 136.15 g/mol

Anisaldehyde is characterized by its methoxy group attached to a benzene ring, which significantly influences its odor profile. The aldehyde functional group contributes to its reactivity and sensory characteristics, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Anisaldehyde is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly spicy aroma, reminiscent of anise or licorice. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a sweet and warm character that enhances the overall profile of the formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Anisaldehyde naturally occurs in the essential oils of anise and fennel. It can also be formed through the oxidation of anethole, a major component of these oils. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Anisaldehyde is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in confectionery, bakery, and beverage applications. It functions as a key flavoring agent, providing a sweet, anise-like note that complements other ingredients. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, anisaldehyde is utilized in various fragrance families, including oriental and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the sweetness and warmth of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired effect. Anisaldehyde is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.013.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions exist, but formulators should verify country-specific regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, anisaldehyde is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Anisaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, warm character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes, such as vanilla and cinnamon. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions and adjust concentrations accordingly. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its unique profile can enhance overall depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on anisaldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.

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

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 2026-06-25 06:26:02 GMT (p2)