FlavScents AInsights Entry: Bitter Orangeflower Absolute Tunisia (CAS: 8030-28-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Bitter Orangeflower Absolute Tunisia
- CAS Number: 8030-28-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium)
- Source: Typically sourced from Tunisia, known for its high-quality bitter orangeflower products
Bitter orangeflower absolute is a complex natural material, not a single chemical compound. It is obtained through solvent extraction of the flowers of the bitter orange tree. The composition of this absolute can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bitter orangeflower absolute is renowned for its rich, floral aroma with a distinct citrus undertone. The scent is often described as sweet, fresh, and slightly green, with a characteristic intensity that makes it a popular choice in perfumery. It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a fresh and uplifting top note.
The absolute is also used in flavor applications, imparting a floral and slightly bitter taste that can enhance citrus profiles in food and beverages. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests it is effective at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bitter orangeflower absolute is derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium), which is native to Southeast Asia but widely cultivated in Tunisia and other Mediterranean regions. The absolute is produced through solvent extraction, a process that captures the delicate floral notes of the flowers.
This material is considered a natural fragrance and flavor ingredient, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products. Its formation does not involve synthetic pathways, making it suitable for "natural" labeling in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Bitter orangeflower absolute is used in flavor formulations to impart a floral and slightly bitter note, enhancing citrus and floral profiles in various food and beverage products. It is commonly used in confectionery, beverages, and desserts.
Typical use levels in finished products are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests low ppm levels due to its potent aroma. Formulators should consider its stability, as it may be sensitive to heat and oxidation, potentially altering its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, bitter orangeflower absolute is valued for its fresh, floral aroma, making it a staple in floral and citrus fragrance families. It is used as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and complexity.
The absolute is typically used in trace amounts due to its intensity, contributing to the overall realism and depth of the fragrance composition. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other floral and citrus notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Geraniol
- Nerolidol
- Farnesol
The composition of bitter orangeflower absolute can vary, with these constituents typically present in varying proportions. The exact profile depends on factors such as origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; typically used under general flavor and fragrance regulations.
- European Union: Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; specific FL number not available.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally aligns with international standards.
- Latin America: Regulatory status varies; typically follows international guidelines.
Explicit approvals for bitter orangeflower absolute are limited, with usage often based on harmonized assumptions and industry practices.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; typically used in low concentrations in flavor applications.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrance applications; IFRA standards should be consulted for specific use levels to avoid irritation or sensitization.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
The risk profile for bitter orangeflower absolute may differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure being a primary concern in perfumery.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bitter orangeflower absolute is prized for its ability to impart a fresh, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and stability issues related to heat and oxidation.
Formulators should carefully balance its use to achieve the desired sensory impact without overwhelming other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bitter orangeflower absolute is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include precise use levels and comprehensive safety evaluations.
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
- Includes section 5a for complex natural 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 2026-06-03 15:34:27 GMT (p2)