FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Carene (CAS: 554-61-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

2-Carene, also known as delta-3-carene, is a bicyclic monoterpene with the IUPAC name 3,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-ene. It is registered under the CAS number 554-61-0. The FEMA number for 2-carene is 2229. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in various regulatory contexts. The molecular formula of 2-carene is C10H16, and it has a molecular weight of 136.24 g/mol. Structurally, 2-carene features a bicyclic framework with a double bond, contributing to its characteristic odor profile. The presence of the isopropyl group and the bicyclic structure is significant for its odor, which is often described as sweet and pungent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Carene is known for its distinctive odor, which is often described as sweet, pungent, and reminiscent of turpentine. It has a moderate intensity and is considered an impact note in fragrance compositions. The compound's diffusion is relatively high, making it noticeable even at low concentrations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, 2-carene is typically used to impart a fresh, pine-like aroma in both flavor and fragrance applications. Its sensory role is often as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and complexity of the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Carene is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those from pine trees, cedar, and turpentine oil. It is a significant component of the oils derived from coniferous trees. The formation of 2-carene in nature is primarily through the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, which involves the cyclization of geranyl pyrophosphate. This compound is relevant to the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its occurrence in essential oils and its derivation from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 2-carene is used to impart a fresh, pine-like note, often in conjunction with other terpenes to create complex, natural profiles. It is commonly used in mint, citrus, and herbal flavor categories. The typical use levels of 2-carene in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light, which can affect its flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Carene is utilized in various fragrance families, including woody, citrus, and herbal compositions. It serves as a modifier and impact note, providing a fresh, clean scent that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Due to its volatility, 2-carene contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance, offering an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, 2-carene is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for use in flavors. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks such as those in Brazil and MERCOSUR also recognize its use, with specific concentration limits in place.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-carene is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, particularly at higher concentrations, and is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure, relevant to occupational settings, should be managed to minimize risks associated with its volatility. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with appropriate use levels ensuring safety.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Carene is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, pine-like aroma, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other terpenes and citrus notes, enhancing the overall freshness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for overpowering other components if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural, coniferous character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-carene is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and natural occurrence. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific regulatory and toxicological data may have gaps, particularly in emerging markets. Overall, the information is reliable, with ongoing research likely to fill existing gaps.

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 07:56:46 GMT (p2)