AInsights Entry for 2,4-Dimethyl Heptane (CAS: 2213-23-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2,4-Dimethyl heptane
• IUPAC Name: 2,4-Dimethylheptane
• CAS Number: 2213-23-2
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C9H20
• Molecular Weight: 128.26 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2,4-Dimethyl heptane is a branched alkane. Its structure contributes to its volatility and potential use in fragrance applications, although it is not typically associated with a distinct odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2,4-Dimethyl heptane is not commonly noted for a distinct odor or flavor profile, as it is a saturated hydrocarbon. Its sensory characteristics are generally neutral, lacking the functional groups that typically impart strong odors or flavors. As such, it is not used for its sensory properties in flavor or fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2,4-Dimethyl heptane is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities. It is typically synthesized through petrochemical processes involving the refinement of crude oil. This compound does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2,4-Dimethyl heptane is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its lack of distinctive taste or aroma. It does not contribute to flavor systems and is not typically found in flavor formulations. Consequently, there are no established use levels or stability considerations for this compound in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2,4-dimethyl heptane may be used as a solvent or diluent rather than for its olfactory properties. It can contribute to the volatility and evaporation profile of a fragrance formulation. However, it is not a primary fragrance ingredient and is used in trace amounts. Its role is more functional than sensory, aiding in the delivery of other fragrance components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: 2,4-Dimethyl heptane is not specifically listed by the FDA or FEMA for flavor use. Its use in fragrances is not restricted by IFRA.
• European Union: Not listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use. No specific restrictions for fragrance use.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no additional restrictions.
• Asia: No specific regulations identified in Japan, China, or ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: No specific regulations identified in Brazil or MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not applicable for flavor use; no ADI or MSDI established.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances at low concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; considered safe in typical fragrance applications.

Overall, 2,4-dimethyl heptane poses minimal risk in both food and fragrance contexts due to its limited use and low toxicity profile.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2,4-Dimethyl heptane is valued for its role as a solvent or diluent in fragrance formulations. It can enhance the volatility and evaporation profile of a fragrance, aiding in the delivery of more substantive fragrance components. Formulators should be aware of its neutral sensory profile and ensure it is used appropriately to avoid unnecessary inclusion in flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2,4-dimethyl heptane is well-established regarding its chemical identity and basic safety profile. However, its limited use in flavor and fragrance applications means there is less documented information on specific sensory and functional roles. Industry practices are typically based on its solvent properties rather than sensory contributions.

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 (not applicable for this compound)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for this compound)

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 2026-06-03 13:52:32 GMT (p2)