AInsights Entry for Alpha-Fenchene (CAS: 471-84-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Alpha-Fenchene
- IUPAC Name: 1,3,3-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene
- CAS Number: 471-84-1
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not found; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not found
- Molecular Formula: C10H16
- Molecular Weight: 136.24 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Alpha-fenchene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a characteristic structure that contributes to its distinct odor profile. The presence of the double bond in the bicyclic structure is significant for its reactivity and sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Alpha-fenchene is known for its woody, camphoraceous, and slightly minty aroma. It is often described as having a fresh, clean scent with moderate intensity and good diffusion.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and invigorating top note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Alpha-fenchene is found in various essential oils, including those of pine and fir species. It is also present in some citrus oils.
- Formation Pathways: It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, which is common for monoterpenes.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its occurrence in natural essential oils, alpha-fenchene can be labeled as a natural component in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Alpha-fenchene is used in flavor formulations for its fresh, woody notes, often in mint and herbal profiles.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of flavor blends.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not available; industry-typical estimates suggest low ppm ranges in finished products.
- Stability Considerations: Alpha-fenchene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in woody, fresh, and herbal fragrance families. It is suitable for use in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners.
- Functional Role: Provides trace realism and acts as a modifier to enhance freshness.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at low concentrations, often less than 1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Alpha-fenchene is a top note due to its high volatility, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Data not found
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Data not found
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Data not found
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Data not found
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Data not found
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found; typical industry practice suggests low exposure due to low use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use levels.
- Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Alpha-fenchene is valued for its fresh, woody aroma that enhances the complexity of both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other terpenes and minty or herbal notes.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering camphoraceous note.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in formulations seeking a natural, fresh top note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Limited due to the niche use of alpha-fenchene.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and sensory roles are often based on industry experience rather than documented studies.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of specific regulatory and toxicological data.
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 2026-03-31 08:33:27 GMT (p2)