FlavScents AInsights Entry for Citronitrile (Symrise) (CAS: 93893-89-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Citronitrile
• IUPAC Name: 3,7-dimethyloct-6-enenitrile
• CAS Number: 93893-89-1
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: Data not found
• Molecular Formula: C10H17N
• Molecular Weight: 151.25 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Citronitrile is characterized by a nitrile group, which can contribute to its distinct odor profile. The presence of a double bond and methyl groups in its structure may influence its volatility and sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Citronitrile is known for its fresh, citrus-like aroma with a hint of green and floral notes. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported
• Typical Sensory Role: Citronitrile is primarily used as an impact note in citrus-themed fragrances and flavors, providing a fresh and vibrant character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Citronitrile is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in flavors and fragrances.
• Formation Pathways: It is often produced through chemical synthesis, involving the reaction of appropriate precursors under controlled conditions.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, citronitrile is generally not classified as a natural flavor or fragrance.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Citronitrile is used in citrus and fruity flavor formulations, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of the flavor profile.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and impact note, adding complexity and depth to citrus flavors.
• Typical Use Levels: Industry-typical use levels range from 0.5 to 5 ppm in finished food or beverage products.
• Stability Considerations: Citronitrile is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Citronitrile is used in citrus, floral, and green fragrance families. It is suitable for use in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
• Functional Role: It serves as a top note, providing freshness and vibrancy to fragrance compositions.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Citronitrile is a volatile compound, contributing primarily to the top note of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Data not found
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; specific 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; formulators should verify safety through authoritative sources.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data available; potential for irritation or sensitization should be assessed.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure should be minimized in occupational settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Citronitrile provides a unique citrus note that enhances freshness and authenticity in both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other citrus and green notes to create complex and appealing profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or synthetic character.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in non-citrus applications where a fresh note could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical identity and sensory profile are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and stability considerations are based on industry norms.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.

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 2026-04-09 04:52:00 GMT (p2)