FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Butyrate (CAS: 105-54-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl butanoate
• CAS Number: 105-54-4
• FEMA Number: 2427
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol

Ethyl butyrate is an ester formed from butyric acid and ethanol. It is characterized by its fruity odor, reminiscent of pineapple and other tropical fruits. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its volatility and diffusion properties, which are essential for its role in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl butyrate is known for its strong, sweet, and fruity aroma, often described as pineapple-like. It is a high-impact odorant with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a burst of fruitiness that enhances the overall profile of tropical and citrus flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl butyrate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and pineapples. It is also formed during the fermentation process, contributing to the aroma of certain alcoholic beverages. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" designations, aligning with regulatory definitions in many regions.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl butyrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It acts as a key impact note, enhancing the perception of freshness and juiciness. Typical use levels in finished products range from 2 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, ethyl butyrate is used to impart a fresh, fruity top note. It is commonly found in perfumes, personal care products, and household cleaners. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, providing an initial burst of fragrance that quickly diffuses. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance products is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid diffusion and low concentration in air.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl butyrate is valued for its ability to enhance fruitiness and freshness in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes, creating complex and appealing profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility, ensuring it is not lost during processing. It is often under-used in non-fruit applications where a hint of freshness could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive studies supporting its safety and efficacy. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in its use is high, with no significant data gaps identified.

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 2026-04-21 06:37:15 GMT (p2)