FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Laurate (CAS: 106-33-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Ethyl laurate, also known as ethyl dodecanoate, is a fatty acid ester with the CAS number 106-33-2. It is identified by the FEMA number 2441. The molecular formula for ethyl laurate is C14H28O2, and it has a molecular weight of 228.37 g/mol. This compound features an ester functional group, which is significant for its odor profile, contributing to its fruity and waxy scent characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl laurate is characterized by a mild, fruity odor reminiscent of coconut and a waxy undertone. It is often described as having a medium intensity with moderate diffusion properties. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, it is typically used as a background note to enhance the realism of fruit and floral compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl laurate occurs naturally in various fruits and is a component of some essential oils. It can be formed through the esterification of lauric acid with ethanol, a process that can occur naturally in some biological systems. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, ethyl laurate is used to impart a creamy, coconut-like note, often in tropical fruit flavors. It serves as a background realism enhancer and is typically used at levels ranging from 1 to 50 ppm in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. It is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may hydrolyze under extreme pH or prolonged heat exposure.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Ethyl laurate is utilized in fragrance formulations across various product types, including personal care and household products. It contributes to the fruity and creamy aspects of fragrance compositions, often serving as a modifier or background note. Typical usage levels range from trace amounts to 0.5% in formulations, depending on the desired olfactory effect. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, ethyl laurate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, it is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulatory details may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR typically align with international standards, but local regulations should be consulted.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl laurate is considered safe for oral exposure at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. For dermal exposure, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical fragrance concentrations. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility and typical use levels. 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

Ethyl laurate is valued for its ability to impart a creamy, coconut-like note, enhancing the authenticity of tropical and fruity flavors. It synergizes well with other esters and lactones. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate delicate compositions if used excessively. It is often underutilized in complex fragrance blends where its subtlety can enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl laurate is well-established, with consistent findings across authoritative sources. While specific sensory thresholds are not extensively documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance on typical use levels. Regulatory information is clear, though formulators should verify local compliance requirements.

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 2026-06-12 13:15:44 GMT (p2)