FlavScents AInsights Entry: para-Acetanisole (CAS: 100-06-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): para-Acetanisole, 4-Methoxyacetophenone
- IUPAC Name: 1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethanone
- CAS Number: 100-06-1
- FEMA Number: 2007
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
- Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
- Molecular Weight: 150.18 g/mol
para-Acetanisole is characterized by its methoxy group attached to a phenyl ring, which contributes to its sweet, vanilla-like odor. The acetyl group enhances its stability and modifies its olfactory properties, making it a valuable compound in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
para-Acetanisole is known for its sweet, vanilla-like aroma with a creamy, balsamic undertone. It is often described as having moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in formulations. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable vanilla character even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
para-Acetanisole occurs naturally in various plants, including vanilla beans and certain types of orchids. It can also be formed through the enzymatic degradation of lignin in plant materials. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
para-Acetanisole is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in vanilla, chocolate, and creamy profiles. It serves as a key impact note and can enhance the overall sweetness and richness of a flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust applications. It is stable under a variety of conditions, including heat and acidic environments, making it versatile for different food matrices.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, para-Acetanisole is used in floral, oriental, and gourmand compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the creamy and sweet facets of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility places it primarily in the middle note category, providing a lasting vanilla aroma.
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 number 09.037.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though specific concentration limits may vary by region.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, para-Acetanisole is considered safe at typical use levels, with an established ADI by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low-risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
para-Acetanisole is valued for its ability to impart a rich, vanilla-like aroma and flavor. It synergizes well with other sweet and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial character. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance depth and realism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on para-Acetanisole is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. 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
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 2026-03-11 15:54:21 GMT (p2)