FlavScents AInsights Entry for Iron Naphthenate (CAS: 1338-14-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Iron naphthenate
- IUPAC Name: Iron(III) naphthenate
- CAS Number: 1338-14-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C_22H_14FeO_4 (approximate, as naphthenates are mixtures)
- Molecular Weight: Variable, typically around 400-500 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Iron naphthenate is a metal carboxylate complex. It does not have a direct odor relevance due to its primary use as a catalyst or drying agent rather than a flavor or fragrance compound.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Iron naphthenate is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavors or fragrances. It is primarily utilized as a catalyst in industrial applications. Therefore, it does not have defined odor or flavor descriptors, nor are there established taste or odor thresholds. Its role in formulations is not related to sensory impact but rather to its chemical properties as a metal complex.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Iron naphthenate does not occur naturally. It is synthesized through the reaction of naphthenic acid with iron salts. This compound is not relevant to "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin and industrial application.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Iron naphthenate is not used in flavor applications due to its lack of sensory properties and potential toxicity. It is primarily used in industrial settings as a catalyst or drying agent. Therefore, there are no typical use levels or stability considerations relevant to flavor systems.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Similar to its use in flavors, iron naphthenate is not used in fragrance formulations. Its primary role is as a catalyst in industrial processes, and it does not contribute to fragrance profiles or volatility characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Iron naphthenate is not approved for use in food or fragrance applications by the FDA or FEMA.
- European Union: Not listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor or fragrance use.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no specific approvals for flavor or fragrance use.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): No approvals for flavor or fragrance use; primarily regulated as an industrial chemical.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific approvals for flavor or fragrance use; regulated as an industrial chemical.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Iron naphthenate is not intended for ingestion, and no ADI or MSDI values are established. It is considered toxic if ingested.
- Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation and sensitization exists; not recommended for use in personal care products.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatile components may pose inhalation risks in occupational settings; appropriate ventilation and protective equipment are advised.
Risk profiles differ significantly between industrial and potential consumer applications, with stringent safety measures required in industrial contexts.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Iron naphthenate is valued in industrial applications for its catalytic properties, particularly in drying oils and coatings. It is not used in flavor or fragrance formulations. Formulators should be aware of its toxicity and handle it with appropriate safety precautions. It is frequently overused in contexts where its catalytic properties are not required, leading to unnecessary exposure risks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on iron naphthenate is well-established in industrial contexts but limited in flavor and fragrance applications due to its unsuitability for these uses. Regulatory and safety data are primarily focused on its industrial applications, with known data gaps in consumer product contexts.
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 this material)
- 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 this material)
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 2026-06-04 03:03:39 GMT (p2)