FlavScents AInsights Entry for Hexyl Salicylate (CAS: 6259-76-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Hexyl salicylate
• IUPAC Name: Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
• CAS Number: 6259-76-3
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C13H18O3
• Molecular Weight: 222.28 g/mol

Hexyl salicylate is an ester formed from salicylic acid and hexanol. It features a hydroxyl group and an ester linkage, which contribute to its characteristic odor profile. The ester functional group is crucial for its fragrance properties, providing a sweet, floral aroma with a hint of herbal notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Hexyl salicylate is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly herbal odor. It is often described as having a mild intensity with moderate diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The compound does not have a significant taste profile, as it is primarily used for its olfactory properties. Its typical sensory role is as a modifier, enhancing the floral aspects of a fragrance blend.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Hexyl salicylate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification of salicylic acid with hexanol. This synthetic pathway is typical for many esters used in the fragrance industry. While it is not naturally occurring, its components are derived from natural sources, allowing it to be used in products labeled as containing "natural fragrances."

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

4. Use in Flavors

Hexyl salicylate is not widely used in flavor applications due to its primary role as a fragrance compound. However, when used, it can contribute to floral and herbal notes in certain flavor systems. Typical use levels in food and beverages are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest low ppm levels, typically below 10 ppm, to avoid overpowering the flavor profile. It is stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Hexyl salicylate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral and herbal fragrance families. It serves as a modifier, enhancing the floral character and adding depth to the composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are between 0.1% and 1%, depending on the desired intensity. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Hexyl salicylate is not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use but is widely accepted in fragrance applications.
• European Union: It is included in the EU's list of flavoring substances (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008) with FL number 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU regulations.
• Asia: In Japan and China, hexyl salicylate is permitted for use in fragrances, with specific restrictions varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in fragrance applications, with specific regulations depending on the country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, hexyl salicylate is not typically used in flavors, so specific ADI or MSDI values are not established. Dermal exposure is more relevant, with IFRA standards guiding its safe use in fragrances to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles differ significantly between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Hexyl salicylate is valued for its ability to enhance floral notes without dominating the fragrance profile. It synergizes well with other floral and herbal ingredients, providing a balanced and nuanced aroma. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to become overpowering if used in excess. It is often under-utilized in complex compositions where subtlety is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on hexyl salicylate is well-established in the fragrance industry, with consistent usage patterns and regulatory acceptance. However, its use in flavors is less documented, leading to some uncertainty in flavor applications. Industry practices are generally reliable, but formulators should verify specific regulatory requirements for their target markets.

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 2026-08-19 19:52:17 GMT (p2)