FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1,4-Cineole (CAS: 470-67-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 1,4-Cineole, Eucalyptol
- IUPAC Name: 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
- CAS Number: 470-67-7
- FEMA Number: 2465
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.062
- Molecular Formula: C10H18O
- Molecular Weight: 154.25 g/mol
1,4-Cineole is a monoterpenoid ether characterized by its bicyclic structure, which contributes to its distinctive camphoraceous odor. The presence of an ether functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory properties, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
1,4-Cineole is renowned for its fresh, camphoraceous, and slightly minty aroma, often described as eucalyptus-like. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it an effective impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable effect even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it is used to impart a cooling sensation and enhance freshness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
1,4-Cineole is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, most notably eucalyptus oil, as well as in rosemary, sage, and bay leaves. It is biosynthesized in plants through the mevalonate pathway, where it serves as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on extraction methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
1,4-Cineole is utilized across various flavor categories, including mint, herbal, and spice flavors. It functions as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, often used in confectionery, oral care products, and beverages. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering other flavor notes. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged heat exposure.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance formulations, 1,4-cineole is employed in fresh, herbal, and camphoraceous fragrance families. It acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility ensures it contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, 1,4-cineole is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, allowing its use in both flavors and fragrances. The United Kingdom follows EU regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, it is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits. In Latin America, it is accepted under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific variations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, 1,4-cineole has a high margin of safety, with an ADI not specifically established but considered safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low irritation potential, though IFRA standards should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid evaporation, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
1,4-Cineole is valued for its ability to impart freshness and enhance cooling effects in formulations. It synergizes well with mint, citrus, and herbal notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering camphoraceous character. It is often underutilized in complex blends where its subtle contributions can enhance overall product appeal.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 1,4-cineole is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific concentration data may vary by application. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research focusing on its broader applications and safety profiles.
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 2026-06-01 04:57:19 GMT (p2)