Certainly! Below is a comprehensive FlavScents AInsights entry for acetophenone (CAS: 98-86-2), following the specified format and guidelines.

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetophenone
• IUPAC Name: 1-Phenylethanone
• CAS Number: 98-86-2
• FEMA Number: 2009
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.001
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O
• Molecular Weight: 120.15 g/mol

Acetophenone is characterized by a ketone functional group attached to a phenyl ring. This structure contributes to its distinct sweet, floral odor reminiscent of orange blossoms, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetophenone is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly fruity odor, often described as reminiscent of orange blossoms or almonds. It has a moderate intensity and is typically used as a background note to enhance floral and fruity compositions. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetophenone naturally occurs in various fruits and plants, including apples, apricots, and certain types of flowers. It can be formed through the oxidation of ethylbenzene or by the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with acetyl chloride. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetophenone is utilized in flavor formulations for its ability to impart a sweet, floral note. It is commonly used in fruit, floral, and nutty flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, acetophenone is valued for its sweet, floral aroma, contributing to the heart notes of floral and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, with typical concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Acetophenone is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetophenone is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with usage aligned with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Acetophenone is generally recognized as safe when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is considered low risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is typically limited to occupational settings, where standard ventilation practices mitigate risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetophenone is prized for its ability to enhance floral and fruity notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral compounds, such as linalool and geraniol. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in nutty profiles, where it can add depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on acetophenone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary by application. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

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

This entry provides a detailed overview of acetophenone, ensuring clarity and accuracy for professionals in the flavor and fragrance industries.

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 2026-01-19 19:14:02 GMT (p2)