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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Hexyl acetate, also known as acetic acid hexyl ester, is a chemical compound with the CAS number 142-92-7. It is commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry due to its pleasant fruity aroma. The IUPAC name for hexyl acetate is hexyl ethanoate. It is identified by the FEMA number 2557 and has a molecular formula of C8H16O2, with a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. The compound features an ester functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic fruity odor, often described as apple-like or pear-like.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Hexyl acetate is renowned for its fruity, sweet, and slightly green aroma, reminiscent of apples and pears. It is often used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The compound has a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties, making it suitable for a variety of applications. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, hexyl acetate is typically used to impart a fresh, fruity character to products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Hexyl acetate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples, pears, and bananas. It is formed through enzymatic reactions during the ripening process of these fruits. The compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in nature. Additionally, hexyl acetate can be synthesized through the esterification of hexanol with acetic acid.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, hexyl acetate is used across multiple categories, including fruit, confectionery, and beverage flavors. It serves as a key component in creating realistic fruit profiles, particularly apple and pear flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 30 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. Hexyl acetate is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Hexyl acetate is utilized in various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing freshness and lift to the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Due to its volatility, hexyl acetate contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Hexyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by the FDA and FEMA in the United States. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 09.037. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, hexyl acetate is permitted for use in food and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also allow its use, aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Hexyl acetate is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally regarded as low risk. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its volatility and rapid dispersion. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns reported.

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 compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of using excessive amounts, as it can dominate the blend and mask other notes. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where a subtle fruity lift is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on hexyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented uses, though specific sensory thresholds and detailed regulatory nuances may require further exploration. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information readily accessible.

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

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 2026-04-23 11:54:43 GMT (p2)