FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (CAS: 104-76-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-ethyl-1-hexanol
• IUPAC Name: 2-ethylhexan-1-ol
• CAS Number: 104-76-7
• FEMA Number: 3155
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O
• Molecular Weight: 130.23 g/mol

2-ethyl-1-hexanol is a branched-chain fatty alcohol with a hydroxyl group, contributing to its solubility and reactivity. Its structure is significant in determining its odor profile, which is often described as having a mild, floral, and slightly fatty scent. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its role in ester formation, impacting its use in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-ethyl-1-hexanol is characterized by a mild, floral, and slightly fatty odor. It is often used as a background note in fragrance compositions due to its subtlety and ability to blend well with other components. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it provides a subtle enhancement, often described as waxy or green, contributing to the overall complexity of the flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-ethyl-1-hexanol is not commonly found in nature but can be produced through the oxo process, which involves the hydroformylation of propylene followed by hydrogenation. This synthetic pathway is significant for its designation as a "nature-identical" compound in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation does not typically occur through natural enzymatic or fermentation processes, which limits its classification as a "natural" ingredient under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is used to impart a subtle waxy or green note, enhancing the complexity of fruit and floral flavors. It is commonly used in categories such as citrus, berry, and tropical fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-notes. Its stability under heat and acidic conditions makes it suitable for a variety of food processing environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-ethyl-1-hexanol is utilized in fragrance formulations across various product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It serves as a modifier and background note, enhancing the floral and green aspects of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 FL No. 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific variations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though some variability exists in concentration limits across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an ADI not specifically established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is monitored for irritation and sensitization potential, with IFRA providing guidelines to mitigate risks. Inhalation exposure is primarily a concern in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-ethyl-1-hexanol is valued for its ability to enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances without dominating the profile. It synergizes well with other floral and green notes, providing a subtle enhancement. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to undesirable off-notes. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural profile due to its synthetic origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-ethyl-1-hexanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in regional regulatory interpretations. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific toxicological thresholds.

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 2026-06-01 04:33:47 GMT (p2)