FlavScents AInsights Entry for Magnesium Carbonate (CAS: 546-93-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Magnesium carbonate
• IUPAC Name: Magnesium carbonate
• CAS Number: 546-93-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not applicable; CoE number not applicable; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: MgCO₃
• Molecular Weight: 84.31 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Magnesium carbonate is an inorganic salt with no direct odor relevance. It is primarily used for its physical properties rather than any sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Magnesium carbonate itself does not possess any significant odor or flavor characteristics. It is typically used in formulations for its textural and stabilizing properties rather than as a sensory component. Its role in sensory applications is more about modifying the physical properties of a product, such as acting as an anti-caking agent or a bulking agent, rather than contributing to the flavor or fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Magnesium carbonate occurs naturally in the form of minerals such as magnesite and dolomite. It is typically extracted through mining processes. In terms of formation, magnesium carbonate can also be produced synthetically by reacting magnesium salts with sodium bicarbonate. It is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its inorganic nature and the processes involved in its extraction and production.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Magnesium carbonate is not used for its flavor but rather for its functional properties in flavor systems. It acts as an anti-caking agent, helping to maintain the free-flowing nature of powdered flavorings. Typical use levels in food products are not well-documented in terms of ppm, as its use is more about achieving the desired physical properties rather than contributing to flavor. It is stable under a wide range of conditions, including varying pH levels and temperatures.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, magnesium carbonate is used primarily as a carrier or a bulking agent rather than for its scent. It helps in the formulation of powders and can aid in the dispersion of fragrance compounds. Its contribution to volatility and fragrance profile is negligible, as it does not possess any inherent scent characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Magnesium carbonate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food products.
• European Union: It is permitted as a food additive under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU regulations.
• Asia: In Japan and China, magnesium carbonate is approved for use as a food additive.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR generally follow international guidelines, allowing its use as a food additive.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Magnesium carbonate is considered safe for consumption at levels typically used in food products. It has a high margin of safety due to its low toxicity.
• Dermal Exposure: It is not known to cause irritation or sensitization when used in cosmetic or fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a powder, care should be taken to avoid inhalation, especially in occupational settings, to prevent respiratory irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Magnesium carbonate is valued for its ability to improve the texture and stability of powdered products. It is often used in conjunction with other anti-caking agents to enhance flow properties. Formulators should be aware of its potential to affect the pH of formulations and adjust accordingly. It is rarely over-used due to its specific functional role.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on magnesium carbonate is well-established, particularly regarding its safety and functional uses. However, specific sensory data is limited due to its lack of inherent flavor or fragrance properties. Regulatory information is consistent across major regions, reflecting its widespread acceptance as a safe additive.

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 (not applicable for magnesium carbonate)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for magnesium carbonate)

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 2026-09-17 14:28:58 GMT (p2)