FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ethyl Myristate (CAS: 124-06-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Ethyl myristate is a chemical compound commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is ethyl tetradecanoate. The CAS number for ethyl myristate is 124-06-1. It is identified by the FEMA number 2443. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.011 and CoE number 203. The molecular formula of ethyl myristate is C16H32O2, and it has a molecular weight of 256.42 g/mol. Ethyl myristate is an ester, characterized by its functional group, which contributes to its fruity and waxy odor profile. The ester linkage in its structure is crucial for its odor relevance, providing a smooth, creamy scent often associated with tropical fruits.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl myristate is known for its mild, waxy, and fruity odor, reminiscent of coconut and other tropical fruits. It has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in formulations. The taste and odor thresholds for ethyl myristate are not well-documented, but it is typically used to impart a subtle, creamy character to flavor compositions. In sensory applications, ethyl myristate serves as a modifier, enhancing the overall realism and depth of fruit and dairy profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl myristate occurs naturally in various plant and animal sources, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is formed through the esterification of myristic acid with ethanol. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources through processes that meet regulatory standards for natural labeling. Its presence in natural oils contributes to the characteristic aroma and flavor profiles of these materials.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl myristate is used in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing creaminess and depth to formulations. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 10 ppm. Ethyl myristate is stable under normal processing conditions, but it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, ethyl myristate is used in various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier, providing a creamy, smooth base note that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired effect. Ethyl myristate contributes primarily to the middle and base notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, ethyl myristate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, ethyl myristate is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific guidelines in ASEAN countries. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations for its use in flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl myristate is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA standards. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl myristate is valued for its ability to impart a creamy, smooth character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and lactones, enhancing tropical and dairy profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate notes if used excessively. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle, natural creaminess.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl myristate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some sensory thresholds remain unspecified. Regulatory information is clear, with minor variations across regions.

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 2026-04-15 01:26:03 GMT (p2)