FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Octanol (CAS: 589-98-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-Octanol
• IUPAC Name: Octan-3-ol
• CAS Number: 589-98-0
• FEMA Number: 2804
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O
• Molecular Weight: 130.23 g/mol

3-Octanol is a saturated aliphatic alcohol with a hydroxyl group attached to the third carbon of an eight-carbon chain. This structure contributes to its moderate polarity and ability to participate in hydrogen bonding, influencing its solubility and volatility. The presence of the hydroxyl group is crucial for its odor profile, imparting a characteristic waxy, fatty scent often associated with green and herbal notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-Octanol is characterized by a waxy, fatty odor with green and herbal nuances. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a smooth diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in complex formulations. The odor threshold of 3-octanol is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a modifier, enhancing the naturalness and complexity of fragrance and flavor compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-Octanol is naturally found in various plant sources, including certain essential oils and fruits. It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids or via fermentation processes. Its presence in natural products supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, depending on the source and extraction method.

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

4. Use in Flavors

3-Octanol is utilized in flavor formulations across several categories, including fruit, herbal, and dairy flavors. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the authenticity and depth of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired sensory impact. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 3-octanol is incorporated into green, herbal, and floral fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the freshness and naturalness of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle note category, providing a lasting yet subtle presence.

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 an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals are well-documented, though harmonized assumptions may vary, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 3-octanol is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a favorable margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is not typically a concern due to its moderate volatility and low usage levels. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-Octanol is valued for its ability to enhance the naturalness and complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and herbal notes, though care must be taken to avoid overpowering the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an undesirable waxy character, or underuse, resulting in a lack of depth. It is frequently under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle yet impactful green note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 3-octanol is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations exist in regional applications. Known data gaps are minimal, with regulatory ambiguities primarily related to regional interpretations.

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 2026-04-03 06:46:19 GMT (p2)