FlavScents AInsights Entry: Cumin Acetaldehyde (CAS: 4395-92-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Cumin Acetaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: (E)-2-Methyl-3-phenylprop-2-enal
• CAS Number: 4395-92-0
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
• Molecular Formula: C10H10O
• Molecular Weight: 146.19 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Cumin acetaldehyde contains an aldehyde group, which is crucial for its characteristic odor profile. The presence of the phenyl group contributes to its aromatic properties, making it significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cumin acetaldehyde is known for its warm, spicy, and slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of cumin seeds. It exhibits a moderate to high intensity with a notable diffusion that makes it a prominent impact note in formulations. The compound is often used to impart a realistic cumin-like character in both flavor and fragrance compositions. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, providing authenticity and depth to the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cumin acetaldehyde is naturally found in cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) and is a key component contributing to their characteristic aroma. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of certain precursors during the processing of cumin seeds. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations, as it can be derived from natural sources through extraction and isolation processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cumin acetaldehyde is utilized in various flavor categories, including savory, spice, and ethnic cuisines. It plays a functional role in flavor systems by providing a warm, spicy note that enhances the authenticity of cumin-flavored products. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical values often falling within this range. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, cumin acetaldehyde is used in oriental and spicy fragrance families. It serves as a modifier and impact note, adding warmth and complexity to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, with trace amounts often sufficient to achieve the desired effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Cumin acetaldehyde is not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS, but it may be used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; its use may be subject to general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards, with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not clearly documented; formulators should verify local compliance.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory information for Brazil and MERCOSUR is not available; harmonized assumptions may apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) is not found. Margin of safety should be assessed based on typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should consider IFRA guidelines for aldehydes.
• 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 potentially requiring more stringent safety assessments due to dermal exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cumin acetaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a true-to-nature cumin aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other spice notes and can enhance the overall complexity of a composition. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of authenticity. Formulators should balance its intensity with complementary notes to achieve the desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cumin acetaldehyde is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general regulatory guidelines. Known data gaps include precise ppm ranges for certain applications and detailed safety assessments.

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 2026-05-14 15:13:06 GMT (p2)