FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Vinyl Ketone (CAS: 1629-58-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl vinyl ketone
• IUPAC Name: But-3-en-2-one
• CAS Number: 1629-58-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C4H6O
• Molecular Weight: 70.09 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl vinyl ketone is characterized by a ketone functional group and an unsaturated vinyl group. The presence of the vinyl group contributes to its reactivity and potential for polymerization, while the ketone group is often associated with sharp, pungent odors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Ethyl vinyl ketone is known for its sharp, pungent odor, often described as acrid or irritating. It is not typically used for its flavor properties due to its harsh sensory profile.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
• Typical Sensory Role: Due to its pungent nature, ethyl vinyl ketone is not commonly used as a primary sensory component but may be utilized in trace amounts for specific industrial applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Ethyl vinyl ketone is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: It can be produced through the dehydrogenation of secondary alcohols or via the oxidation of butenes.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin and lack of natural occurrence, ethyl vinyl ketone does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Ethyl vinyl ketone is not typically used in flavor applications due to its pungent and acrid odor.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It is not a common component in flavor systems.
• Typical Use Levels: Data not found; its use in flavors is generally avoided.
• Stability Considerations: Ethyl vinyl ketone is reactive and can polymerize, especially in the presence of acids or bases, which limits its stability in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Ethyl vinyl ketone is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its harsh odor.
• Functional Role: It may be used in trace amounts for specific industrial applications where its reactivity is desired.
• Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Not clearly reported; typically avoided in consumer products.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: High volatility; would contribute as a top note if used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not listed.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Follows EU regulations; not listed.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level data not available; typically not used in consumer products.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level data not available; typically not used in consumer products.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not applicable for flavor use; no ADI or MSDI established.
• Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation; not recommended for use in personal care products.
• Inhalation Exposure: High volatility poses inhalation risks; appropriate safety measures should be taken in industrial settings.
• Risk Profiles: Due to its reactivity and pungency, ethyl vinyl ketone is generally avoided in both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued for its reactivity in industrial applications rather than sensory properties.
• Typical Synergies: Not applicable due to limited use in flavors and fragrances.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Its reactivity can lead to polymerization, affecting stability.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Typically under-used in consumer products due to safety and sensory concerns.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Limited due to its restricted use in consumer products.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Avoidance in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of comprehensive sensory and regulatory data due to limited use.

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 (not applicable)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)

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 2026-07-02 06:48:19 GMT (p2)