FlavScents AInsights Entry for (1R)-(-)-myrtenal (CAS: 18486-69-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Myrtenal
• IUPAC Name: (1R)-(-)-myrtenal
• CAS Number: 18486-69-6
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not specified
• Molecular Formula: C10H14O
• Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Myrtenal is a monoterpenoid with an aldehyde functional group. The presence of the aldehyde group is significant for its characteristic odor profile, contributing to its fresh, pine-like scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Myrtenal is characterized by a fresh, pine-like odor with nuances of citrus and mint. It is often described as having a clean, woody aroma with a hint of camphor.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: Myrtenal serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh, clean top note that enhances the perception of naturalness in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Myrtenal is naturally found in essential oils of various plants, including myrtle and some coniferous species.
• Formation Pathways: It is typically formed through the oxidative degradation of myrtenol or other related monoterpenes.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Myrtenal can be labeled as a natural flavor or fragrance component when derived from natural sources, aligning with regulatory definitions of natural ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Myrtenal is used in flavor formulations for its fresh, pine-like aroma, commonly found in mint, citrus, and herbal flavor profiles.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing freshness and complexity.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels in finished food or beverage products are not clearly reported. Industry-typical estimates suggest low ppm levels, generally below 10 ppm, depending on the application.
• Stability Considerations: Myrtenal is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which can affect its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Myrtenal is used in woody, fresh, and herbal fragrance families. It is commonly incorporated into personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaning products.
• Functional Role: It serves as a top note, providing freshness and enhancing the overall fragrance profile.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Concentration levels vary widely, typically ranging from trace amounts to several percent, depending on the desired intensity and product type.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Myrtenal is a volatile compound, contributing primarily to the top note of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Myrtenal is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not specifically listed; assumed to be covered under general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards, with no specific divergence noted for myrtenal.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information is limited; typically follows international standards.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Regulatory status not explicitly documented; generally aligns with international norms.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or margin of safety for oral exposure is not clearly reported. Industry practices suggest cautious use in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Myrtenal may cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use levels in fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible, particularly in occupational settings. Adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Myrtenal is valued for its fresh, clean aroma, which enhances the naturalness of both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: It blends well with other monoterpenes and aldehydes, enhancing citrus and herbal notes.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or harsh aroma. Balancing with other components is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its fresh note can be overshadowed by heavier components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and natural occurrence are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and regulatory status often rely on industry norms rather than explicit documentation.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited, necessitating cautious application.

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 14:52:18 GMT (p2)