FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetophenone (CAS: 98-86-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetophenone
• IUPAC Name: 1-Phenylethanone
• CAS Number: 98-86-2
• FEMA Number: 2009
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.002
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O
• Molecular Weight: 120.15 g/mol

Acetophenone is a simple aromatic ketone characterized by a phenyl group attached to a carbonyl group. Its structure contributes to its 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 odor with nuances of almond and cherry. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a pleasant, diffusive character. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct floral aspect that can enhance the overall sensory profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetophenone occurs naturally in various fruits and plants, including apples, apricots, and certain types of flowers. It can also be formed through the oxidation of ethylbenzene or via the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with acetyl chloride. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be used in products labeled as containing "natural flavors."

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetophenone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and nut flavors. It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, acetophenone is employed in floral and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing a sweet, floral character that enhances the overall bouquet. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both the top and 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: It is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory alignment with the EU post-Brexit is maintained.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Acetophenone is generally regarded as safe when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, it has a low acute toxicity with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is considered safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetophenone is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral note that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds, but care must be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an artificial or overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth and realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on acetophenone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in source material and processing methods.

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 2026-09-08 09:24:37 GMT (p2)