FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Pentanol (CAS: 6032-29-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Pentanol, sec-Amyl alcohol
• IUPAC Name: Pentan-2-ol
• CAS Number: 6032-29-7
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available, CoE number not available, IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C5H12O
• Molecular Weight: 88.15 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Pentanol is a secondary alcohol with a hydroxyl group attached to the second carbon of a pentane chain. This structure contributes to its moderate polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, influencing its solubility and volatility, which are critical for its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Pentanol is characterized by a mild, slightly alcoholic odor with a hint of sweetness. It is often described as having a fusel-like aroma, which is common among higher alcohols. The intensity of its odor is moderate, and it has a relatively low diffusion rate, making it suitable for use as a background note in formulations. The taste threshold for 2-pentanol is not well-documented, but it is generally considered to have a mild flavor impact, often used to enhance the complexity of a flavor profile without dominating it.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Pentanol is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the fermentation processes of certain yeasts and bacteria. It may also be produced during the Maillard reaction, which occurs during the cooking of foods, contributing to the complex flavors of cooked products. Its presence in natural products is typically in trace amounts, and it is not generally used to qualify a product as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Pentanol is used in various flavor applications, particularly in alcoholic beverages, where it contributes to the fusel oil profile. It is also used in baked goods, confectionery, and savory products to add depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-flavors. It is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, 2-pentanol is used primarily as a modifier or a trace realism note. It is found in fragrance families such as fougère and chypre, where it adds a subtle alcoholic nuance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Due to its moderate volatility, it contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: 2-Pentanol is not specifically listed as FEMA GRAS but is generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; its use would be subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information available; typically follows international safety standards.
• Latin America: Regulatory status varies; generally aligns with international guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; considered low risk in typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards reported at typical use levels.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to recommended use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Pentanol is valued for its ability to enhance the complexity of both flavor and fragrance formulations without overpowering other components. It synergizes well with other alcohols and esters, providing a balanced profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to impart off-flavors at higher concentrations and ensure compatibility with other ingredients to maintain stability.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-pentanol is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data. Industry practices often rely on general safety assessments and historical usage patterns.

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 2026-04-08 16:06:15 GMT (p2)