FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl Anthranilate (CAS: 134-20-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Anthranilate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl 2-aminobenzoate
• CAS Number: 134-20-3
• FEMA Number: 2682
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.003
• Molecular Formula: C8H9NO2
• Molecular Weight: 151.16 g/mol

Methyl anthranilate is an ester of anthranilic acid and methanol. It features an aromatic benzene ring with an ester functional group, contributing to its characteristic grape-like odor. The presence of the amino group in its structure is crucial for its odor profile, which is widely used in both flavor and fragrance industries.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl anthranilate is renowned for its sweet, fruity, and floral aroma, reminiscent of Concord grapes. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive scent with a moderate intensity. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a distinct grape-like taste. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl anthranilate naturally occurs in various fruits, including grapes, strawberries, and oranges. It is also found in certain flowers like jasmine and tuberose. The compound can be biosynthesized in plants through the shikimate pathway, where it serves as a volatile compound for attracting pollinators. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for "natural flavor" designation under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl anthranilate is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in grape, berry, and citrus profiles. It acts as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, methyl anthranilate is utilized in floral and fruity compositions, often within the floral, oriental, and gourmand families. It functions as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion.

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. 09.003.
• 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 exist for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, specific concentration limits may vary, necessitating verification for compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Methyl anthranilate is considered safe for oral exposure at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI by JECFA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though IFRA standards recommend concentration limits to prevent sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl anthranilate is valued for its ability to impart a natural grape-like aroma and flavor. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing complexity and authenticity. Formulators should be cautious of its strong impact, as overuse can lead to an artificial perception. It is often under-utilized in non-fruit applications where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl anthranilate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily concerning long-term exposure studies.

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 2026-04-28 07:21:43 GMT (p2)