FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Anisaldehyde (CAS: 123-11-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Anisaldehyde, p-Anisaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: 4-methoxybenzaldehyde
• CAS Number: 123-11-5
• FEMA Number: 2672
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 136.15 g/mol

para-Anisaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde characterized by a methoxy group attached to a benzene ring. This functional group contributes to its sweet, floral odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

para-Anisaldehyde is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly spicy odor, 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 distinct anise-like character that can enhance the complexity of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

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

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

4. Use in Flavors

para-Anisaldehyde is utilized in various flavor categories, including confectionery, bakery, and beverages, where it imparts a sweet, anise-like flavor. It typically functions as an impact note or a modifier. Use levels in finished products can range from 1 to 20 ppm, with typical levels around 5 ppm. 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

In perfumery, para-Anisaldehyde is used in floral and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or an impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other aromatic compounds, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

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

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, para-Anisaldehyde is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrances is monitored by IFRA, with guidelines to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

para-Anisaldehyde is valued for its distinct anise-like character, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and spicy notes. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can dominate a blend. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on para-Anisaldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification.

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 2026-06-25 06:27:47 GMT (p2)