FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Octanone (CAS: 106-68-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-Octanone
• IUPAC Name: Octan-3-one
• CAS Number: 106-68-3
• FEMA Number: 2805
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.191
• Molecular Formula: C8H16O
• Molecular Weight: 128.21 g/mol

3-Octanone is a ketone characterized by its eight-carbon chain with a carbonyl group at the third position. This structural feature contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as fruity and mushroom-like. The presence of the carbonyl group is crucial for its odor characteristics, influencing its volatility and interaction with olfactory receptors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-Octanone is known for its fruity, mushroom-like odor with moderate intensity and diffusion. It is often described as having a creamy, nutty undertone, which makes it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The odor threshold of 3-octanone is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations. In sensory applications, it serves as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-Octanone naturally occurs in various foods and plants, including mushrooms, dairy products, and some fruits. It can be formed through the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids or via fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" designations, provided it is derived through acceptable methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

3-Octanone is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including dairy, fruit, and nut flavors. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the authenticity and richness of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. 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 formulations, 3-octanone is employed in various fragrance families, such as fruity, green, and woody compositions. It serves as a trace realism component, adding a natural, earthy quality to perfumes and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.01% to 0.1%, contributing primarily to the middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 07.191.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 3-octanone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation is recommended to mitigate any potential risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-Octanone is valued for its ability to enhance the authenticity of flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, but care must be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial character. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can provide significant depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 3-octanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in source material and processing methods.

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 2026-04-10 18:29:48 GMT (p2)