ethyl fenchol

Technical specification

Assessment

The best way to detect earthy taints in water is as follows. Without covering the glass, swirl the sample to release the aroma. Take a single short sniff. Repeat as necessary.

Amount of flavour per capsule

5.5 µg per capsule.

Threshold

The flavour threshold of ethyl fenchol in water is 1.8 µg / l.

Origins

Ethyl fenchol is formed by Actinobacteria in lakes, reservoirs and water distribution systems. It is produced by both actively-growing organisms and through cell lysis and decomposition.

Importance

Ethyl fenchol imparts an unpleasant earthy odour to water which is reminiscent of damp or freshly-dug soil.

CAS registry number

The CAS registry number of ethyl fenchol is 18368-91-7.

Other names

• 2-ethyl fenchol
• 2-ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl bicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-ol
• 2-ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol
• 2-ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2,2-norbornanol
• 6-ethyl-1,5,5-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-6-ol

Remarks

Earthy taints due to ethyl fenchol are an occasional problem with surface abstracted waters. Formation of ethyl fenchol can be influenced by weather conditions leading to concentration of organic materials in the water and by growth of microorganisms.

Threshold distribution

Capsules per pot

10