FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heptyl Acetate (CAS: 112-06-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Heptyl acetate, also known as heptanyl acetate, is a chemical compound with the IUPAC name heptyl ethanoate. It is identified by the CAS number 112-06-1 and has a FEMA number of 2555. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.018 and CoE number 123. The molecular formula for heptyl acetate is C9H18O2, and it has a molecular weight of 158.24 g/mol. This compound is an ester, characterized by its functional group, which contributes to its fruity odor profile. The ester linkage in heptyl acetate is crucial for its volatility and odor characteristics, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heptyl acetate is known for its pleasant, fruity odor reminiscent of pears and apples, with a sweet, slightly floral undertone. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. The taste and odor thresholds for heptyl acetate are not clearly reported, but it is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and natural fruitiness that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heptyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and pears, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can also be formed through the esterification of heptanol with acetic acid, a reaction commonly utilized in industrial synthesis. The presence of heptyl acetate in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on its method of extraction and processing.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, heptyl acetate is used to impart fruity notes to a variety of products, including beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often used to enhance or mimic the natural flavors of fruits like apples and pears. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with specific concentrations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. Heptyl acetate is generally stable under typical processing conditions, although it may be susceptible to hydrolysis under extreme pH conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Heptyl acetate is utilized in the fragrance industry for its fresh, fruity aroma, fitting well within fragrance families such as fruity, floral, and green. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a natural fruitiness that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Due to its volatility, heptyl acetate is primarily a top note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, heptyl acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with the FL number 09.018. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulations may vary, but heptyl acetate is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Heptyl acetate 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 specific ADI or MSDI reported, but it is generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is also considered safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heptyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a natural, fruity aroma and flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for hydrolysis under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heptyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive information available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological data may be less readily available. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, but formulators should verify compliance with specific regional requirements.

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 2026-06-09 13:01:40 GMT (p2)