FlavScents AInsights Entry for Linalyl Acetate (CAS: 115-95-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Linalyl acetate is a widely used ester in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl acetate. The compound is identified by the CAS number 115-95-7 and has a FEMA number of 2634. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.017 and CoE number 146. The molecular formula for linalyl acetate is C12H20O2, with a molecular weight of 196.29 g/mol. Structurally, it is characterized by an acetate ester functional group, which contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile. The presence of the linalool moiety in its structure is crucial for its olfactory properties, providing a sweet, lavender-like scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Linalyl acetate is known for its pleasant, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of lavender with a hint of bergamot. It exhibits moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a popular choice for imparting freshness and floral notes in both flavors and fragrances. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a sweet, fruity top note that enhances the overall sensory experience. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its effectiveness at low concentrations is well recognized in the industry.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Linalyl acetate naturally occurs in various essential oils, most notably in lavender, bergamot, and clary sage oils. It is biosynthesized in plants through the acetylation of linalool, a process facilitated by specific enzymes. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread presence in nature and its derivation from natural sources. Its formation is primarily through enzymatic pathways, which are crucial for the development of its characteristic scent in essential oils.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Linalyl acetate is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and floral categories. It is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, sweet, and floral note, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which formulators should consider during product development.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, linalyl acetate is a key component in floral and citrus fragrance families. It functions as a modifier and impact note, providing freshness and enhancing the overall bouquet of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.5% to 5% depending on the desired effect. Linalyl acetate is a top note due to its volatility, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, linalyl acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 09.017. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use, generally aligning with international standards. In Latin America, including Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, linalyl acetate is accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Linalyl acetate is considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, though it may cause mild irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, as noted by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its volatility and rapid dispersion in air. Overall, 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

Linalyl acetate is prized for its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with other floral and citrus notes. It synergizes well with compounds like linalool, geraniol, and citral, enhancing the overall fragrance or flavor profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively, as its strong floral character can overshadow subtler notes. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its ability to provide freshness and lift could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on linalyl acetate is well-established, with extensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific use levels and sensory thresholds may rely on industry-typical estimates. There are no significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities, ensuring confidence in its use across various applications.

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 2026-09-01 10:21:57 GMT (p2)