FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dioctyl Adipate (CAS: 123-79-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Dioctyl adipate
• IUPAC Name: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate
• CAS Number: 123-79-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not applicable, CoE number not applicable, IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C22H42O4
• Molecular Weight: 370.57 g/mol

Dioctyl adipate is an ester of adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is characterized by its long carbon chain, which contributes to its low volatility and high plasticizing efficiency. The ester functional group is crucial for its role in modifying the texture and flexibility of materials, although it is not typically associated with a strong odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Dioctyl adipate is not primarily used for its sensory properties, as it is largely odorless and tasteless. Its role in formulations is more functional than sensory, serving as a plasticizer rather than a flavor or fragrance component. Therefore, it does not have significant odor or flavor descriptors, nor are there established taste or odor thresholds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Dioctyl adipate does not occur naturally and is synthesized industrially. It is produced through the esterification of adipic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. This synthetic pathway does not align with the criteria for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, as it is not derived from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Dioctyl adipate is not typically used in flavor applications due to its lack of sensory impact. However, it may be used indirectly in food packaging materials where its plasticizing properties are beneficial. In such contexts, it is crucial to ensure that migration into food products remains within safe limits. Typical use levels in food contact materials are regulated to prevent significant transfer to food.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, dioctyl adipate serves as a solvent and fixative, helping to stabilize volatile compounds and extend the longevity of the fragrance. It is used across various fragrance families and product types, including perfumes and personal care products. Its contribution is primarily as a base note due to its low volatility. Typical concentration ranges are qualitative, focusing on its functional role rather than sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Dioctyl adipate is not listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use but is regulated by the FDA for use in food contact materials.
• European Union: Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, it is not listed as a flavoring substance but is permitted in food contact materials.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, dioctyl adipate is regulated for use in food contact materials, with specific migration limits.
• Latin America: Brazil and MERCOSUR countries follow similar guidelines to the EU for food contact applications.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Dioctyl adipate is not intended for direct ingestion. Its safety in food contact applications is assessed based on migration studies, ensuring exposure remains below toxicological thresholds.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is considered safe for skin contact at typical use levels, with low irritation and sensitization potential.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its low volatility, inhalation risks are minimal, though occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Dioctyl adipate is valued for its plasticizing properties, enhancing the flexibility and durability of materials. It synergizes well with other esters and is often used to improve the texture of formulations. A common pitfall is overuse, which can lead to excessive softness or migration issues in packaging applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on dioctyl adipate is well-established, particularly regarding its use in food contact materials and fragrances. Industry practices are documented, though specific sensory data is limited due to its functional rather than sensory role.

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 where applicable
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Section 5a is not applicable as dioctyl adipate is not a complex natural material

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 2026-09-08 07:04:39 GMT (p2)