Cadaverine Aroma Chemical
CAS# 462-94-2

Cadaverine (CAS Registry Number: 462-94-2), systematically known as 1,5-Diaminopentane or pentamethylenediamine, is an organic diamine compound. At standard conditions, it exists as a colorless to slightly yellow or green syrupy liquid. It is a biogenic amine found in small quantities in living organisms and plants (such as soybeans), and is primarily produced through the bacterial decarboxylation of the amino acid lysine.

Olfactorily, Cadaverine is characterized by a very unpleasant, foul, and putrid amine odor. In nature, its smell is most commonly associated with the putrefaction of animal tissue. Alongside putrescine, cadaverine is largely responsible for the foul odor of decaying flesh, while also being a contributing component to the distinctive smells of urine and semen. The compound has a tendency to fume when exposed to air, which strongly disperses its pungent scent. Despite its foul nature, this chemical is documented in fragrance and chemical studies exploring the boundary between stench and scent (e.g., the reference "Riechstoffe, zwischen Gestank und Duft").

Chemically, Cadaverine (formula C5H14N2) is completely soluble in water and ethanol. It acts as a strong base and readily forms stable salts with organic and inorganic acids. Beyond its unique olfactory properties, Cadaverine is now highly valued as a "platform chemical" in industrial biotechnology and material science. Its most notable industrial application is serving as a green building block for the synthesis of sustainable, bio-based polyamides (nylons), such as Nylon 56 and Nylon 510. Furthermore, in the food industry, the amine's presence is utilized in freshness indicator labels to detect the spoilage of meats and seafood.

Strict safety regulations must be followed when handling this highly reactive and potent-smelling product. Cadaverine is classified as a combustible liquid and is highly corrosive. The product should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated environment under an inert gas. Personnel handling the chemical must be equipped with comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves (such as nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles, face shields, and appropriate respiratory filters, as the substance causes severe skin burns, serious eye damage, and respiratory tract irritation.