FlavScents 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: 2672
• 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 benzaldehyde structure, which contributes to its sweet, floral, and slightly spicy aroma. The methoxy group is crucial for its odor profile, enhancing its diffusion and intensity.

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 warm, balsamic undertone. The compound is used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations due to its distinctive scent. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its potent aroma suggests a low threshold for sensory detection.

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. This compound is often used to impart a "natural" flavor or fragrance designation due to its presence in these natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Anisaldehyde is commonly used in flavor formulations for its sweet, anise-like profile. It is prevalent in confectionery, bakery products, and beverages. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering other flavor components. Anisaldehyde is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, anisaldehyde is used in floral, oriental, and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing warmth and sweetness. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired intensity. Anisaldehyde contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Anisaldehyde is FEMA GRAS approved for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Recognized in Japan and China, with specific use levels varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may vary by country.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variations exist.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Anisaldehyde is considered safe for use in food at typical concentrations, with a high margin of safety.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Anisaldehyde is valued for its distinctive sweet and floral aroma, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes but can dominate a formulation if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its stability in acidic environments and consider its impact on the overall sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on anisaldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific sensory thresholds.

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
• No complex natural material section required

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 2026-02-13 16:18:04 GMT (p2)