FlavScents AInsights Entry for Decanoic Acid (CAS: 334-48-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Decanoic acid, Capric acid
• IUPAC Name: Decanoic acid
• CAS Number: 334-48-5
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 08.010
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol

Decanoic acid is a saturated fatty acid with a ten-carbon chain. It is characterized by a carboxylic acid functional group, which contributes to its acidic properties and influences its odor profile. The structure-odor relevance is significant as the length of the carbon chain impacts its volatility and sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Decanoic acid is known for its fatty, waxy odor with a slight rancid note, often described as having a mild, unpleasant smell at higher concentrations. Its flavor profile is similarly fatty and soapy, with a threshold that varies depending on the medium. It is typically used as a background note to enhance the richness and depth of flavors, particularly in dairy and coconut profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Decanoic acid naturally occurs in various animal fats and oils, as well as in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of triglycerides. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Decanoic acid is utilized in flavor formulations primarily within dairy, coconut, and tropical fruit categories. It serves as a functional component to impart creaminess and enhance mouthfeel. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-flavors. It is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, decanoic acid is used in trace amounts to add depth and realism to compositions, particularly in creamy and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a base note due to its low volatility, contributing to the longevity of the scent. Typical concentrations are low, often below 0.1% in the final product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, decanoic acid is considered safe within the limits established by FEMA and EFSA, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically defined but implied through GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally low risk, with minimal irritation reported. Inhalation exposure is not a primary concern due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Decanoic acid is valued for its ability to enhance creaminess and richness in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty acids and esters. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to impart off-flavors at higher concentrations and ensure stability against oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on decanoic acid is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary. Some data gaps exist in detailed toxicological profiles, particularly for inhalation exposure.

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 2026-09-18 06:37:15 GMT (p2)