AInsights Entry for Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- (CAS: 54889-63-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)-
- IUPAC Name: 1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane
- CAS Number: 54889-63-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C12H24O2
- Molecular Weight: 200.32 g/mol
Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is a synthetic compound characterized by the presence of two ethoxymethyl groups attached to a cyclohexane ring. The functional groups present in this compound, particularly the ether linkages, can influence its odor profile, potentially contributing to a sweet, ether-like scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is noted for its mild, sweet odor with ether-like characteristics. The intensity of its scent is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The compound does not have a significant taste profile, and specific odor thresholds are not well-documented in the literature.
In fragrance applications, it may serve as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of the scent profile without dominating it.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is typically produced through chemical synthesis involving the reaction of cyclohexane derivatives with ethoxymethylating agents. As a synthetic material, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under current regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
This compound is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its synthetic origin and lack of significant taste profile. When used, it may function as a background note to provide subtle ether-like sweetness. Typical use levels in food and beverages are not well-documented, but industry practices suggest minimal concentrations, often below 10 ppm, to avoid overpowering other flavor components.
Stability in flavor systems is generally good, with 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 fragrance formulations, cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is used primarily as a modifier or background note. It is suitable for a variety of fragrance families, including floral and fruity compositions, where it can enhance the overall scent profile without being prominent. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect.
The compound contributes to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility that allows it to blend well with both top and base notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA; usage in flavors and fragrances should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; general safety standards apply.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; usage should comply with regional safety standards.
Overall, the regulatory status of cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is characterized by a lack of explicit approvals, necessitating careful consideration of general safety and labeling practices.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found; usage in flavors is minimal, suggesting low exposure risk.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances at typical concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
- Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; however, no specific occupational hazards identified.
The risk profile for cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, with safety primarily ensured through adherence to recommended usage levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is valued for its ability to subtly enhance fragrance compositions without dominating them. It synergizes well with floral and fruity notes, providing a smooth, ether-like background. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an undesirable synthetic character.
Common pitfalls include failing to account for its moderate volatility, which can affect the balance of top and middle notes in a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(ethoxymethyl)- is relatively limited, with most information derived from industry practices and general chemical knowledge. While its sensory and functional roles are understood, specific regulatory and toxicological data are sparse, necessitating reliance on general safety guidelines.
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 2026-05-23 17:39:11 GMT (p2)