AInsights Entry for (-)-Riboflavin (CAS: 83-88-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Riboflavin, Vitamin B2
- IUPAC Name: 7,8-dimethyl-10-(D-ribo-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl)benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione
- CAS Number: 83-88-5
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 16.001
- Molecular Formula: C17H20N4O6
- Molecular Weight: 376.37 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Riboflavin is a heterocyclic compound with a complex structure that includes a ribityl side chain. It is primarily known for its role as a vitamin rather than its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Riboflavin itself does not have a significant odor or flavor profile that contributes to sensory applications in flavors or fragrances. It is primarily recognized for its nutritional value rather than its sensory characteristics. In some cases, it may impart a slight bitter taste at high concentrations, but this is not typically a desired sensory attribute.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Riboflavin is naturally found in a variety of foods, including milk, eggs, malted barley, liver, kidney, heart, and leafy vegetables. It is synthesized by plants and many microorganisms but not by higher animals, which must obtain it from dietary sources. Riboflavin can also be produced industrially through fermentation processes using microorganisms such as Ashbya gossypii.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Riboflavin is not typically used as a flavoring agent due to its lack of significant sensory properties. However, it may be included in flavor formulations for its nutritional benefits, particularly in fortified foods and beverages. The typical use levels in such applications are determined by nutritional requirements rather than flavor impact, often ranging from 1 to 10 ppm in fortified products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Riboflavin is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its lack of volatile aromatic properties. Its primary role in consumer products is as a vitamin supplement rather than a fragrance component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Riboflavin is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use as a nutrient supplement.
- European Union: Approved as a food additive (E101) and nutrient.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with riboflavin approved for similar uses.
- Asia: Widely accepted as a food additive and nutrient in countries like Japan and China.
- Latin America: Generally approved for use as a nutrient and food additive.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Riboflavin is considered safe for consumption with no known adverse effects at typical dietary levels. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is not specified due to its essential role in human nutrition. Dermal exposure is not relevant as riboflavin is not used in topical applications. Inhalation exposure is also not a concern due to its low volatility.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Riboflavin is valuable in formulations primarily for its nutritional benefits rather than sensory contributions. It is often used in conjunction with other B vitamins in fortified foods and beverages. Formulators should be aware of its light sensitivity, which can lead to degradation and loss of activity, necessitating protective packaging.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on riboflavin is well-established, particularly regarding its nutritional role and safety. There are no significant data gaps, although its sensory properties are not well-documented due to their limited relevance.
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 2026-04-06 16:27:49 GMT (p2)