FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Phenyl Acetate (CAS: 101-97-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl phenyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl phenylacetate
• CAS Number: 101-97-3
• FEMA Number: 2438
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C10H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 164.20 g/mol

Ethyl phenyl acetate is an ester formed from the condensation of phenylacetic acid and ethanol. It features an aromatic ring and an ester functional group, contributing to its characteristic sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of honey and roses. The ester linkage is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl phenyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of honey, roses, and a hint of balsamic. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to impart noticeable character even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl phenyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits and flowers, including apples, strawberries, and roses. It can also be formed through the esterification of phenylacetic acid with ethanol, a reaction that can occur naturally in some fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl phenyl acetate is used in a variety of flavor categories, including fruity, floral, and honey-like profiles. It serves as an impact note and modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, ethyl phenyl acetate is utilized across several fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and oriental. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of aroma, which can enhance the overall fragrance experience.

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 FL No. 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, ethyl phenyl acetate is considered safe within the typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances is also deemed safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use levels. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl phenyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, enhancing the overall bouquet. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl phenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific numeric thresholds for taste are less frequently reported. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, but formulators should remain aware of regional variations.

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

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 2026-01-19 15:54:02 GMT (p2)