FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2,6-Dimethyl Heptane (CAS: 1072-05-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2,6-Dimethyl heptane
• IUPAC Name: 2,6-Dimethylheptane
• CAS Number: 1072-05-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C9H20
• Molecular Weight: 128.26 g/mol

2,6-Dimethyl heptane is a branched alkane with two methyl groups attached to the second and sixth carbon atoms of a heptane chain. This structure contributes to its hydrophobic nature and influences its volatility, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2,6-Dimethyl heptane is characterized by a mild, gasoline-like odor, typical of alkanes. Its sensory profile is not prominent in flavor applications due to its relatively high odor threshold and lack of distinctive taste. However, it can contribute to the background realism in complex formulations, providing a subtle enhancement to the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2,6-Dimethyl heptane is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It can be produced through the catalytic cracking of petroleum hydrocarbons. Its presence in natural products is negligible, and it is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2,6-Dimethyl heptane is not widely used in flavor applications due to its lack of distinctive taste and high odor threshold. When used, it serves as a background component to enhance the realism of certain flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests minimal concentrations, often below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components.

Stability considerations include its resistance to oxidation and moderate stability under heat, making it suitable for use in processed foods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2,6-Dimethyl heptane is used as a solvent or diluent rather than a primary fragrance component. It is found in various fragrance families, particularly those requiring a volatile carrier. Its role is primarily as a modifier, contributing to the volatility and diffusion of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are low, often less than 0.1% of the total formulation, due to its high volatility and lack of a strong odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed by the FDA or FEMA as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union: Not assigned an FL number under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information available; typically follows international standards.
• Latin America: No specific regulatory status; generally aligns with international guidelines.

Overall, 2,6-Dimethyl heptane is not explicitly approved for flavor use but may be used under general safety and exposure guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Limited data available; not typically used in flavors at significant levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing at low concentrations used in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: High volatility requires careful handling to minimize occupational exposure; no specific inhalation toxicity reported.

The risk profile for 2,6-Dimethyl heptane is generally low due to its minimal use levels in both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2,6-Dimethyl heptane is valued for its volatility and ability to act as a solvent or carrier in fragrance formulations. It is often used to enhance the diffusion of more substantive fragrance components. Formulators should be cautious of its high volatility, which can lead to rapid evaporation and potential loss of fragrance intensity if not properly balanced.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2,6-Dimethyl heptane is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and basic sensory characteristics. However, specific use levels and regulatory approvals are less documented, reflecting its limited application in flavors and fragrances. Industry practices are typically based on empirical knowledge rather than extensive documentation.

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 2026-05-31 21:07:21 GMT (p2)