FlavScents AInsights Entry for (-)-(E,R)-filbertone (CAS: 135910-94-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common name(s): Filbertone
- IUPAC name: (2E)-5-methylhept-2-en-4-one
- CAS number: 135910-94-0
- FEMA number: Not available
- Other identifiers: Not available
- Molecular formula: C8H14O
- Molecular weight: 126.20 g/mol
- Functional groups and structure–odor relevance: Filbertone is characterized by its ketone functional group, which contributes to its nutty and roasted aroma profile. The presence of the double bond in the E configuration is crucial for its characteristic scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Filbertone is renowned for its distinctive nutty, roasted, and hazelnut-like aroma, often described as warm and rich. It is a key impact note in hazelnut flavors, providing authenticity and depth. The intensity of filbertone is moderate, making it suitable for both impact and background roles in flavor formulations. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory impact is well-documented in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Filbertone is naturally found in hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) and is a significant contributor to their characteristic aroma. It is formed through the Maillard reaction during the roasting of hazelnuts, which enhances its presence and sensory impact. This compound is often used to impart a "natural flavor" designation in products aiming to replicate or enhance hazelnut profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Filbertone is predominantly used in nut-flavored products, especially those mimicking hazelnut. It serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing authenticity and depth. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. Filbertone is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and neutral pH, but may degrade under extreme conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, filbertone is utilized for its warm, nutty aroma, contributing to gourmand and nutty fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, often used in trace amounts to add realism and complexity. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations. Filbertone is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Filbertone is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but is used under general flavoring principles.
- European Union: Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; specific FL number status not found.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international flavoring guidelines.
- Latin America: No specific regulations found; typically aligns with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
- Dermal exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; considered low risk in fragrance applications.
- Inhalation exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; no occupational exposure limits reported.
Overall, filbertone is considered safe for use in both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences in risk profiles between these uses.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Filbertone is valued for its ability to impart a realistic hazelnut aroma, making it indispensable in nut-flavored products. It synergizes well with other nutty and creamy notes, enhancing overall flavor complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste. It is often under-utilized in non-nut applications where a subtle nutty warmth could enhance the profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on filbertone is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include precise regulatory listings and detailed toxicological 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
- 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 2026-08-09 23:04:43 GMT (p2)