FlavScents AInsights Entry for Octyl Acetate (CAS: 112-14-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Octyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Octyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 112-14-1
• FEMA Number: 2815
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol

Octyl acetate is an ester formed from octanol and acetic acid. It is characterized by its fruity odor, often associated with oranges and other citrus fruits. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its volatility and sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Octyl acetate is known for its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of oranges and other citrus fruits. It is often described as having a fresh, slightly floral note with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a bright and uplifting character. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Octyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus species. It is formed through enzymatic processes in these fruits, contributing to their characteristic aromas. The compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its presence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Octyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in citrus and fruity profiles. It serves as a key impact note in beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, octyl acetate is utilized in citrus, floral, and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a top note, providing freshness and lift to compositions. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.013.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Octyl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally non-irritating, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at ambient temperatures.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Octyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing overall brightness. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on octyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance for use levels. Regulatory frameworks are consistent across major markets, though formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.

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

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 2026-08-25 06:00:49 GMT (p2)