Wheat extract (CAS 84012-44-2) — Sweet Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Wheat extract
CAS 84012-44-2
What Is Wheat extract?
Wheat extract is a natural ingredient derived from wheat grains, often encountered in gourmand and cereal-inspired fragrances. It provides a warm, bready aroma reminiscent of freshly baked goods. This extract matters in perfumery for its ability to add comforting, edible nuances to fragrances, bridging the gap between food and fragrance worlds.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Wheat extract Smell Like?
Wheat extract unfolds with a toasty, nutty opening like sun-warmed hay. The heart develops into a creamy, malty sweetness reminiscent of fresh-baked bread crust. As it dries down, it reveals subtle vanillic undertones with a comforting cereal-like persistence. The overall effect is wholesome and edible – like walking past an artisan bakery at dawn when the ovens are just fired up.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Wheat extract forms the edible core of this fragrance, blending with milky notes to create an impression of warm bread with butter. The wheat note provides the comforting cereal foundation that makes this scent uniquely gourmand.
Here wheat extract combines with iris and sandalwood to create a flour-dusted woody accord. The wheat note adds an edible dimension that transforms the woody structure into something resembling a baker’s wooden worktable.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Wheat extract contains a complex mixture of volatile compounds including aldehydes, ketones, and pyrazines that contribute to its characteristic aroma. The key odorants include 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (the same compound that gives jasmine rice its aroma) and various Maillard reaction products formed during wheat processing. These compounds are typically extracted using solvent methods or distillation from roasted wheat germ.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Yellowish viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used as a gourmand modifier |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Creates comforting bakery scents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with lactonic notes to enhance the creamy, cereal aspects of wheat extract.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Provides similar sweet, bready notes but with more caramelized sugar character. Use when a simpler, more intense gourmand effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to wheat extract.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has not published specific safety assessments for wheat extract.
Sustainability
Wheat extract is typically sourced as a byproduct of food processing, making it relatively sustainable. Most commercial versions are solvent-extracted rather than distilled to preserve the full aroma profile. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the complexity of natural wheat extracts.
Explore Wheat extract
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References
- Poisson et al. (2019). Characterization of Key Odorants in Bread Crust. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. PMID XXXXX
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 84012-44-2Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
