AInsights Entry for 2-Heptanol (CAS: 543-49-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Heptanol
• IUPAC Name: Heptan-2-ol
• CAS Number: 543-49-7
• FEMA Number: 2555
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.019
• Molecular Formula: C7H16O
• Molecular Weight: 116.20 g/mol

2-Heptanol is a secondary alcohol with a seven-carbon chain. The hydroxyl group is located on the second carbon, which influences its odor characteristics. The presence of the hydroxyl group contributes to its moderate polarity and affects its solubility and volatility, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Heptanol is characterized by a mild, fruity odor with a hint of green and floral notes. It is often described as having a fresh, slightly sweet scent that can be reminiscent of melon or pear. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in formulations. The taste threshold for 2-heptanol is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Heptanol is found naturally in various fruits and plants, including apples, grapes, and some citrus fruits. It can also be formed through the fermentation process and is a byproduct of the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing "natural flavors."

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Heptanol is used in a variety of flavor applications, including fruit, floral, and green flavor profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, 2-heptanol is used across several fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and green. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing freshness and depth to the scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility places it in the middle note category, contributing to the fragrance's heart.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-heptanol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, but sensitization data is limited. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Heptanol is valued for its ability to enhance the freshness and complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under extreme conditions and consider its moderate volatility when designing long-lasting fragrance profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-heptanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. However, specific toxicological data, particularly regarding long-term exposure and sensitization, is less documented. Industry practices often rely on typical use levels and historical safety records.

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 2026-04-02 13:50:19 GMT (p2)