FlavScents AInsights Entry for Decanol (CAS: 112-30-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Decanol, 1-Decanol
• IUPAC Name: Decan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 112-30-1
• FEMA Number: 2334
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.051
• Molecular Formula: C10H22O
• Molecular Weight: 158.28 g/mol

Decanol is a saturated fatty alcohol with a ten-carbon chain and a hydroxyl group at the terminal position. This structure contributes to its moderate hydrophobicity and low volatility, making it a useful ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. The hydroxyl group is responsible for its alcohol-like odor, which is often described as fatty and waxy.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Decanol is characterized by a mild, fatty, and waxy odor with a slight floral undertone. Its sensory profile is often described as reminiscent of orange peel or rose, contributing to its use as a modifier in fragrance compositions. The intensity of decanol is moderate, and it is typically used to impart a smooth, creamy texture in flavor applications. The odor threshold of decanol is relatively high, which limits its use to background or supporting roles rather than as a primary impact note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Decanol is naturally found in the essential oils of certain plants, including orange and rose. It can also be produced through the reduction of decanoic acid or via the Ziegler process, which involves the oligomerization of ethylene followed by oxidation. 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

Decanol is used in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, floral, and creamy profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the richness and depth of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to a waxy or soapy taste. Decanol is stable under normal processing conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, decanol is utilized across several fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and woody compositions. It acts as a modifier, providing a smooth, waxy base that enhances the longevity and diffusion of more volatile components. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Decanol contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering a subtle, persistent character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Decanol is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.051.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with harmonized assumptions across member states.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are generally consistent, though specific concentration limits may vary by region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Decanol is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, reducing occupational risks. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Decanol is valued for its ability to enhance the richness and depth of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes, providing a smooth, creamy background. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to impart a waxy or soapy character at higher concentrations. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle, persistent base note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on decanol is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented uses, though specific concentration limits may vary by region. Known data gaps are minimal, with regulatory ambiguities primarily related to regional concentration limits.

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 2026-03-21 07:49:03 GMT (p2)