FlavScents AInsights Entry for Carbitol (CAS: 111-90-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Carbitol, Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether
• IUPAC Name: 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol
• CAS Number: 111-90-0
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: PubChem CID: 8172
• Molecular Formula: C6H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 134.17 g/mol

Carbitol is a glycol ether, characterized by its ether and alcohol functional groups. These groups contribute to its solvent properties, making it useful in various industrial applications. The presence of ether linkages influences its odor profile, which is typically mild and slightly sweet.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Carbitol is known for its mild, slightly sweet odor, which is not overpowering. It is often described as having a low intensity and is not typically used for its sensory attributes in flavor or fragrance applications. Instead, its role is more functional, often serving as a solvent or carrier. The odor threshold for carbitol is relatively high, meaning it does not contribute significantly to the sensory profile of a formulation at typical use levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Carbitol is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is produced industrially through the reaction of ethylene oxide with ethanol, a process that involves the formation of ether linkages. Due to its synthetic origin, carbitol does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Carbitol is not commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its lack of distinctive taste or aroma. However, it can be employed as a solvent or carrier in flavor formulations, particularly where solubility of other components is a concern. Typical use levels in food and beverage applications are not well-documented, but when used, it is generally at low concentrations to avoid altering the flavor profile. Stability under various conditions such as heat and pH is generally good, making it a reliable solvent in diverse formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, carbitol serves primarily as a solvent or diluent rather than a fragrance component. It is used to dissolve other fragrance ingredients and ensure even distribution in the final product. Carbitol's volatility is moderate, and it does not contribute significantly to the top, middle, or base notes of a fragrance. Its concentration in fragrance formulations is typically low, reflecting its role as a functional additive rather than a primary scent contributor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Carbitol is not listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use. It is regulated by the FDA for use as a solvent in certain applications.
• European Union: Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, carbitol is not specifically listed as a flavoring substance.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, with no specific listing for flavor use.
• Asia: In Japan and China, carbitol is used primarily in industrial applications, with limited use in food or fragrance.
• Latin America: Regulatory information is limited, but it is generally used in industrial contexts rather than food or fragrance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Carbitol's safety profile is well-documented for its use as a solvent.

• Oral Exposure: Not typically used in flavors, so oral exposure is minimal. No ADI or MSDI is established.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, with low irritation potential.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate, and occupational exposure limits are established to prevent respiratory irritation.

Overall, carbitol is considered safe when used appropriately in industrial and consumer products, with a low risk profile for both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Carbitol is valued for its solvent properties, aiding in the dissolution and stabilization of other ingredients. It is often used in formulations where solubility is a challenge. Formulators should be aware of its limited sensory impact and ensure it is used primarily for its functional benefits. Overuse can lead to unwanted dilution of active ingredients, while underuse may result in poor solubility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on carbitol is well-established, particularly regarding its use as a solvent. While its role in flavors and fragrances is limited, its functional benefits are well-documented. Regulatory information is consistent across regions, though specific flavor use data is sparse.

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

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 2026-01-29 05:26:31 GMT (p2)