FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol (CAS: 32815-70-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol
- IUPAC Name: 2-methylhex-5-en-3-ol
- CAS Number: 32815-70-6
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H14O
- Molecular Weight: 114.19 g/mol
2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is an unsaturated alcohol characterized by a double bond and a hydroxyl group, which contribute to its odor profile. The presence of the double bond in the hexenyl chain is significant for its odor characteristics, often imparting a fresh, green note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is known for its fresh, green, and slightly floral odor. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a crisp, leafy character. This compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a natural, fresh aroma that can enhance the realism of green and floral accords.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical processes. It may be formed as a byproduct in the degradation of certain plant materials or through synthetic pathways involving the hydration of corresponding alkenes. Its role in natural flavor or fragrance designations is limited due to its synthetic origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, 2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is used to impart fresh, green notes to a variety of products, including beverages, confectionery, and savory items. It functions as a modifier, enhancing the naturalness of green and herbal flavors. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is utilized in fragrance formulations to provide fresh, green, and slightly floral notes. It is commonly found in the top notes of perfumes and is used in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance compositions, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and labeling standards apply.
- Latin America: No specific data; general safety standards apply.
Regulatory treatment varies, with no explicit approvals but harmonized assumptions for safe use in both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; formulators should ensure usage aligns with industry safety standards.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
- Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles are generally similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns at typical use levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is valued for its ability to impart fresh, green notes that enhance the naturalness of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other green and floral materials but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential degradation under extreme conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on 2-methyl-5-hexen-3-ol is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical usage levels. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices and safety standards.
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 2026-06-03 19:59:38 GMT (p2)