FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Decanoate (CAS: 110-38-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ethyl decanoate, Ethyl caprate
- IUPAC Name: Ethyl decanoate
- CAS Number: 110-38-3
- FEMA Number: 2438
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.028
- Molecular Formula: C12H24O2
- Molecular Weight: 200.32 g/mol
Ethyl decanoate is an ester formed from decanoic acid and ethanol. It is characterized by its long carbon chain, which contributes to its relatively low volatility and distinctive fruity odor. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, providing a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of apple or pear, which is widely utilized in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ethyl decanoate is known for its sweet, fruity odor with nuances of apple and pear. It is often described as having a medium intensity and moderate diffusion, making it suitable for both impact and background notes in formulations. The taste threshold of ethyl decanoate is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.
In sensory applications, ethyl decanoate serves as an impact note, providing a fresh, fruity character that enhances the overall profile of a product. It is often used to impart a natural fruitiness in both flavor and fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ethyl decanoate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. It is also found in alcoholic beverages such as wine and brandy, where it forms during fermentation. The esterification process, involving the reaction of decanoic acid with ethanol, is a common pathway for its formation in both natural and industrial settings.
This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations, as it is naturally present in many fruits and can be derived from natural sources through fermentation processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Ethyl decanoate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and grape. It acts as a key component in creating authentic fruit profiles and is often used in conjunction with other esters to enhance complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application.
Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time. Formulators should consider these factors when incorporating ethyl decanoate into flavor systems.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, ethyl decanoate is utilized across various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect.
Ethyl decanoate is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility, providing a lasting fruity character that bridges top and base notes in a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
Ethyl decanoate is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status. It is recognized as safe for use in food products.
European Union
Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, ethyl decanoate is listed with FL No. 09.028 and is approved for use in flavorings.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavoring substances, maintaining similar approvals for ethyl decanoate.
Asia
In Japan, ethyl decanoate is permitted for use in food flavorings. In China and ASEAN countries, it is generally recognized as safe, though specific regulations may vary.
Latin America
Countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR typically follow international guidelines, allowing the use of ethyl decanoate in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Ethyl decanoate is considered safe for oral consumption at typical use levels in food products. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it falls under the category of substances with a low risk of toxicity.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, ethyl decanoate is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. It is included in IFRA standards, which guide safe use concentrations.
Inhalation Exposure
Due to its moderate volatility, inhalation exposure is limited, and occupational exposure risks are minimal. Standard safety precautions should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns at recommended usage levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ethyl decanoate is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. Formulators should aim for balance, using ethyl decanoate to complement rather than dominate the profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ethyl decanoate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented guidelines, though some regional regulatory nuances may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, and the compound's safety and efficacy are well-supported by existing literature.
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 2026-03-11 23:20:33 GMT (p2)
