FlavScents AInsights Entry for Hexyl Acetate (CAS: 142-92-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Hexyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Hexyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 142-92-7
• FEMA Number: 2557
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C8H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 144.21 g/mol

Hexyl acetate is an ester formed from hexanol and acetic acid. It features a simple ester functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic fruity odor. The structure-odor relationship is primarily influenced by the ester linkage, contributing to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of apples and pears.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Hexyl acetate is known for its sweet, fruity odor with notes of apple and pear. It is often described as having a medium intensity and good diffusion properties, making it a versatile component in both flavors and fragrances. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, enhancing the fruity character of formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Hexyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, pears, and plums. It is formed through enzymatic reactions during the ripening process, contributing to the characteristic aroma of these fruits. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, aligning with consumer preferences for naturally derived ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Hexyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and tropical blends. It functions as an impact note, providing a fresh, fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 30 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense fruit 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, hexyl acetate is utilized in fruity and floral compositions, contributing to fragrance families such as fruity, floral, and green. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and realism of the scent. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility classifies it as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.

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 09.013.
• 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 accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, hexyl acetate is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically limited to occupational settings, where standard ventilation practices mitigate risks. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Hexyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity notes, enhancing overall complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, resulting in a lack of impact. Formulators should balance its concentration to achieve the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on hexyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Overall, the data quality is high, supporting confident use in formulations.

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
• No complex natural material section required for this single compound

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 2026-01-27 15:18:15 GMT (p2)