FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetal (CAS: 105-57-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetal
• IUPAC Name: 1,1-Diethoxyethane
• CAS Number: 105-57-7
• FEMA Number: 2003
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.001
• Molecular Formula: C6H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 118.18 g/mol

Acetal, also known as 1,1-diethoxyethane, is a simple acetal compound characterized by its two ethoxy groups attached to a central carbon atom. This structure contributes to its distinctive fruity odor, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications. The presence of the ether functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetal is known for its pleasant, fruity odor reminiscent of green apples and pears. It is often described as having a light, fresh, and slightly sweet aroma. The compound is used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a crisp and refreshing character. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetal is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the acid-catalyzed reaction of ethanol with acetaldehyde. This reaction is a typical pathway in the production of acetal for industrial use. While not naturally occurring, its synthetic formation is straightforward, allowing it to be used in "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural ethanol and acetaldehyde.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetal is utilized in various flavor categories, including fruit, confectionery, and alcoholic beverages. It serves as a functional impact note, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. Acetal is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, acetal is used across multiple fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier, adding a fresh and crisp top note. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Acetal's volatility makes it a suitable top note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetal is recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.001.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Generally accepted in Japan and China, though specific regulations may vary.
• Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, though formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, acetal is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility and typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note that enhances the realism of fruit flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral compounds. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an artificial or overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on acetal is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary by application. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-04-23 06:52:25 GMT (p2)