FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heptyl Butyrate (CAS: 5870-93-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Heptyl Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Heptyl butanoate
• CAS Number: 5870-93-9
• FEMA Number: 2553
• Other Identifiers: FL Number 09.271
• Molecular Formula: C11H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 186.29 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Heptyl butyrate is an ester, characterized by its fruity odor, which is typical of many esters. The ester linkage contributes to its volatility and pleasant aroma, making it suitable for flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heptyl butyrate is known for its fruity, pineapple-like aroma with a hint of pear. It is often described as having a sweet, fresh, and slightly waxy scent. The compound is used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a tropical fruit character. Its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Heptyl butyrate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and pineapples. It can be formed through esterification, a reaction between butyric acid and heptanol. This compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its presence in nature and its derivation from natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Heptyl butyrate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a key component in tropical fruit flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. The compound 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 the fragrance industry, heptyl butyrate is used in formulations for personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to the top notes of a fragrance, providing a fresh and fruity aroma. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Heptyl butyrate is approved by FEMA as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• 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

Heptyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by its GRAS status, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heptyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It blends well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing tropical and citrus profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential degradation under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heptyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in use levels and applications. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

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 12:59:55 GMT (p2)