FlavScents AInsights Entry for Alpha-Heptyl Cinnamaldehyde
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde
- IUPAC Name: (E)-3-phenyl-2-heptenal
- CAS Number: 20175-19-3
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C16H22O
- Molecular Weight: 230.35 g/mol
Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is characterized by its aldehyde functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of the phenyl group contributes to its aromatic properties, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is known for its warm, spicy, and floral odor with a hint of balsamic undertones. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity, with good diffusion properties. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a rich and complex aroma profile.
Taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde does not occur naturally and is typically synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation involves chemical synthesis pathways, often starting from cinnamaldehyde derivatives.
Due to its synthetic origin, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is used in a variety of flavor categories, including spice, floral, and balsamic profiles. It serves as a functional impact note, adding depth and complexity to flavor systems.
Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. These values are industry-typical estimates, as specific documented ranges are not readily available.
The compound is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is utilized across various fragrance families, including oriental, floral, and woody compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the overall complexity and richness of the fragrance.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage is based on industry practices.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be used under general flavoring principles.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; usage likely follows general flavor and fragrance regulations.
- Latin America: Specific regulatory data not found; assumed to follow general regional guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI, TTC, or MSDI; usage should be guided by industry practices and safety assessments.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific IFRA restrictions reported; general safety assessments suggest low irritation potential.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring more attention to dermal and inhalation safety.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a rich, complex aroma profile. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and floral compounds, enhancing the overall fragrance or flavor profile.
Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle yet complex aromatic profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on alpha-heptyl cinnamaldehyde is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions.
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 2026-07-13 18:06:42 GMT (p2)