FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Levulinate Ethylene Glycol Ketal

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Levulinate Ethylene Glycol Ketal
• IUPAC Name: 2-(1,3-Dioxolan-2-yl)ethyl 3-oxobutanoate
• CAS Number: 57197-36-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H14O5
• Molecular Weight: 202.20 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: This compound contains a ketal functional group, which is known for its stability and ability to impart fruity and sweet notes in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl levulinate ethylene glycol ketal is characterized by its fruity and sweet odor profile, often described as reminiscent of apple or pear. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, making it suitable as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. The compound's diffusion is relatively stable, providing a consistent sensory experience over time. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used to enhance the fruity character in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is not known to occur naturally and is typically synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation involves the reaction of ethyl levulinate with ethylene glycol under acidic conditions to form the ketal. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl levulinate ethylene glycol ketal is used primarily in fruit-flavored applications, such as apple, pear, and tropical fruit profiles. It serves as a modifier to enhance the authenticity and depth of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering sweetness. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may degrade under extreme conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, ethyl levulinate ethylene glycol ketal is used in fruity and floral compositions, contributing to the top and middle notes. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and sweetness of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components without dominating the overall scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
• Latin America: No specific data; adherence to MERCOSUR and local regulations is recommended.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization reported; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests low risk under typical use conditions; occupational exposure limits are not specifically defined.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should ensure compliance with relevant safety standards.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl levulinate ethylene glycol ketal is valued for its ability to enhance fruity notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and ketals, providing a rounded and authentic fruit profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overly sweet or artificial character. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl levulinate ethylene glycol ketal is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry norms and safety assessments.

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
• No section 5a required as this is not a complex natural material

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 2026-09-07 07:12:18 GMT (p2)