FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heliotropin (CAS: 120-57-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Heliotropin, also known as piperonal, is a single chemical compound with the IUPAC name 1,3-benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde. It is identified by the CAS number 120-57-0 and has a FEMA number of 2903. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.011 and CoE number 166. The molecular formula of heliotropin is C8H6O3, and it has a molecular weight of 150.13 g/mol. Heliotropin contains a methylenedioxyphenyl functional group, which is significant for its sweet, floral odor reminiscent of vanilla and cherry. This structure-odor relationship is crucial for its use in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heliotropin is characterized by its sweet, floral, and slightly spicy odor, often described as reminiscent of vanilla, cherry, and almond. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a popular choice for imparting a warm, comforting aroma. The taste and odor thresholds for heliotropin are not clearly reported, but it is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct character that enhances the overall sensory profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heliotropin is naturally found in several plants, including vanilla beans, sassafras, and certain species of heliotrope flowers. It can also be formed through the oxidation of isosafrole or via the condensation of catechol with glyoxylic acid, followed by decarboxylation. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, heliotropin is used across various categories, including bakery, confectionery, and dairy products, where it imparts a sweet, vanilla-like note. It functions as a flavor enhancer and modifier, contributing to the complexity and depth of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 5 ppm. Heliotropin is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Heliotropin is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral, oriental, and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier and impact note, providing warmth and sweetness to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Heliotropin contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, heliotropin is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with the FL number 09.011. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, heliotropin is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations, but specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, heliotropin has an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) by JECFA, although specific values are not clearly reported. It is considered safe for use in flavors at typical levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, but IFRA provides guidelines to prevent sensitization and irritation. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heliotropin is valued for its ability to impart a warm, sweet, and floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, almond, and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should balance heliotropin with complementary ingredients to achieve the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heliotropin is well-established, with comprehensive information available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although some specific numeric values, such as taste and odor thresholds, are not clearly reported. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, but formulators should verify specific country requirements.

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 2026-06-03 20:14:14 GMT (p2)