FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Anisyl Nitrile (CAS: 874-90-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Anisyl nitrile
• IUPAC Name: 4-methoxybenzonitrile
• CAS Number: 874-90-8
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
• Molecular Formula: C8H7NO
• Molecular Weight: 133.15 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: para-Anisyl nitrile contains a methoxy group attached to a benzene ring, which is linked to a nitrile group. The methoxy group contributes to its sweet, floral odor profile, while the nitrile group can add a subtle almond-like nuance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: para-Anisyl nitrile is characterized by a sweet, floral aroma with hints of almond and anise. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with good diffusion properties.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: It is primarily used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a sweet, floral character that can enhance the overall bouquet.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: para-Anisyl nitrile is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in fragrances and flavors.
• Formation Pathways: It is generally produced through chemical synthesis, involving the reaction of anisole with cyanogen bromide.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, para-Anisyl nitrile does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designation.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: para-Anisyl nitrile is used in flavor formulations to impart a sweet, floral note, often in almond or anise-flavored products.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, enhancing the sweetness and floral aspects of a flavor profile.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not readily available; however, industry-typical use levels are estimated to be in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
• Stability Considerations: para-Anisyl nitrile is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: para-Anisyl nitrile is used in floral, oriental, and gourmand fragrance families. It is commonly found in perfumes, body sprays, and lotions.
• Functional Role: It serves as an impact note, providing a sweet, floral character that enhances the fragrance's complexity.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at concentrations of 0.1-1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: para-Anisyl nitrile is considered a middle note, contributing to the heart of the fragrance with moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): para-Anisyl nitrile is not listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not explicitly listed under EU flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly documented; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory information not available; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available. General safety assessments suggest low toxicity at typical use levels in flavors.
• Dermal Exposure: para-Anisyl nitrile is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization at typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards are documented.
• Risk Profiles: Generally considered safe for both food and fragrance applications at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: para-Anisyl nitrile provides a unique sweet, floral note that can enhance both flavor and fragrance compositions.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other floral and sweet notes, such as vanilla and jasmine.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering sweetness; balance with other notes is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be lost.

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 regulatory status may vary; formulators should verify specific requirements.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of specific regulatory listings in some regions; reliance on general safety assessments.

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 2026-05-02 09:19:25 GMT (p2)