FlavScents AInsights Entry: Neryl Acetate (CAS: 141-12-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Neryl acetate is a naturally occurring ester with the IUPAC name (2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate. It is identified by the CAS number 141-12-8 and has a FEMA number of 2771. The molecular formula for neryl acetate is C12H20O2, and it has a molecular weight of 196.29 g/mol. This compound features an acetate ester functional group, which is significant for its characteristic fruity and floral odor profile. The presence of the conjugated diene system in its structure contributes to its volatility and sensory attributes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Neryl acetate is known for its pleasant, sweet, and floral aroma, often described as reminiscent of neroli and citrus with a hint of rose. It is a medium-intensity odorant with good diffusion properties, making it a popular choice for imparting a fresh and uplifting character in both flavors and fragrances. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely reported, its role as an impact note in formulations is well recognized, providing a natural and realistic floral nuance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Neryl acetate is found in various essential oils, including neroli, petitgrain, and bergamot. It is biosynthesized in plants through the acetylation of nerol, a monoterpenoid alcohol. This compound is significant in the context of "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its derivation from plant sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, neryl acetate is utilized across a range of categories, including citrus, floral, and fruity profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often used to enhance the authenticity and complexity of citrus and floral notes. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. Neryl acetate is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may be susceptible to hydrolysis under acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Neryl acetate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly found in floral, citrus, and chypre fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the formulation. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh and uplifting character, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, neryl acetate 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 United Kingdom follows similar regulatory guidelines post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, neryl acetate is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, although specific regulatory details may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also permit its use, aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Neryl acetate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is generally recognized as safe under typical use conditions. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is also considered safe, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, posing little risk in occupational settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Neryl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a natural and fresh floral character, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of the composition. Formulators should be mindful of its potential to hydrolyze in acidic environments and adjust formulations accordingly. It is often underutilized in complex fragrance compositions, where its subtlety can add depth and realism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on neryl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are less frequently reported. There are no significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities identified for this compound.
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 2026-04-21 06:39:54 GMT (p2)