FlavScents AInsights Entry: Isoeugenyl Acetate (CAS: 93-29-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isoeugenyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)phenyl acetate
• CAS Number: 93-29-8
• FEMA Number: 2467
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.038
• Molecular Formula: C12H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol

Isoeugenyl acetate is an ester derived from isoeugenol and acetic acid. It features a methoxy group and an allyl chain, contributing to its characteristic spicy, clove-like aroma. The acetate group enhances its sweet, balsamic undertones, making it a versatile compound in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isoeugenyl acetate is known for its warm, spicy, and clove-like odor with sweet, balsamic nuances. It is often described as having a medium to high intensity with moderate diffusion. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing depth and complexity to spice blends, particularly in clove and cinnamon profiles. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its sensory impact is significant even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isoeugenyl acetate is naturally found in certain essential oils, such as clove oil and ylang-ylang oil. It can also be formed through the acetylation of isoeugenol, a process that occurs both naturally and synthetically. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isoeugenyl acetate is primarily used in spice and bakery flavors, contributing to clove, cinnamon, and allspice profiles. It acts as a flavor enhancer and modifier, adding warmth and depth. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust spice blends. It is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, isoeugenyl acetate is valued for its warm, spicy aroma, fitting well within oriental and spicy fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing a smooth transition between top and base notes. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with other spicy and floral notes.

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. 09.038.
• United Kingdom: Follows 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.

Isoeugenyl acetate is widely accepted for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Isoeugenyl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by FEMA GRAS status, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not explicitly defined but implied through usage norms. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isoeugenyl acetate is prized for its ability to impart a warm, spicy character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spice and floral notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if overused. It is often underutilized in floral compositions, where it can add unexpected warmth and richness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on isoeugenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific concentration thresholds in some regions may require further verification. Known data gaps include precise taste thresholds and long-term stability studies.

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 2026-03-12 08:53:52 GMT (p2)