FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Phenyl Propionaldehyde (CAS: 93-53-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Phenyl propionaldehyde
• IUPAC Name: 2-Phenylpropanal
• CAS Number: 93-53-8
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O
• Molecular Weight: 134.18 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde with a phenyl group attached to the propionaldehyde moiety. The presence of the aldehyde group is crucial for its characteristic odor, which is often described as floral and green.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is known for its distinctive floral and green odor, often compared to hyacinth or lilac. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold data is not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through synthetic pathways. It is often produced via the oxidation of 2-phenylpropanol or through the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with propionyl chloride followed by reduction. Its synthetic origin limits its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is used in various flavor categories, including floral and fruity profiles. It serves as a functional impact note, providing a fresh and green character to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm. It is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is utilized across several fragrance families, including floral and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute effectively to the initial impression of a fragrance.

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 Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and usage guidelines apply.
• Latin America: No specific data; general safety and usage guidelines apply.

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 levels are within typical industry standards.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and green notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its stability under varying pH and temperature conditions and consider its volatility when designing fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-Phenyl propionaldehyde is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical usage levels. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which require formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments.

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 2026-04-09 04:37:24 GMT (p2)