FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl Heptanoate (CAS: 106-73-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Methyl heptanoate, also known as methyl enanthate, is a chemical compound with the IUPAC name methyl heptanoate. It is identified by the CAS number 106-73-0. The compound is recognized by FEMA with the number 2716. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.018 and CoE number 206. The molecular formula for methyl heptanoate is C8H16O2, and it has a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. This ester is characterized by its functional group, which contributes to its fruity odor, often associated with a waxy, sweet scent reminiscent of apples or grapes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl heptanoate is known for its fruity, sweet odor with nuances of apple and grape. It is often described as having a medium intensity and good diffusion properties, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct fruity character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is primarily as a modifier and enhancer in complex blends.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl heptanoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and grapes, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can be formed through esterification processes, where heptanoic acid reacts with methanol. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients in flavor and fragrance products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, methyl heptanoate is used across various categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery flavors. It functions as a flavor enhancer and impact note, providing a fruity, sweet character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 5 ppm. Methyl heptanoate is stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Methyl heptanoate is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within fruity and floral fragrance families. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to contribute effectively to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, methyl heptanoate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, methyl heptanoate is generally accepted for use in flavors, though specific regulatory details may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR also recognize its use in flavors, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, methyl heptanoate is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, though occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices. 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

Methyl heptanoate is valued for its ability to impart a fruity, sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is frequently under-used in complex blends where its subtlety can enhance background realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl heptanoate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological data may be less defined. Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which formulators should verify through empirical testing.

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 2026-04-29 18:54:57 GMT (p2)