FlavScents AInsights Entry for Phenethyl Acetate (CAS: 103-45-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Phenethyl acetate, also known as 2-phenylethyl acetate, is a single chemical compound with the CAS number 103-45-7. It is recognized by the FEMA number 2861. The molecular formula for phenethyl acetate is C10H12O2, and it has a molecular weight of 164.20 g/mol. This compound features an ester functional group, which is crucial for its characteristic fruity and floral odor profile. The presence of the phenethyl group contributes to its pleasant scent, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Phenethyl acetate is renowned for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of roses and honey. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in formulations, providing a natural and appealing scent. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Phenethyl acetate occurs naturally in various plants and fruits, including roses, apples, and strawberries. It is formed through enzymatic reactions in plants, often as a result of the esterification of phenethyl alcohol with acetic acid. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its presence in natural sources and its derivation from natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the realm of flavors, phenethyl acetate is utilized across a variety of categories, including fruit, floral, and honey-like profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often used to enhance or modify the sweetness and floral notes of a product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. Phenethyl acetate is generally stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Phenethyl acetate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly found in floral and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary, but it is often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Phenethyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA in the United States. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns with EU regulations, maintaining similar standards. In Asia, including Japan and China, phenethyl acetate is accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also permit its use, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Phenethyl acetate is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically not a concern due to its low volatility and use in trace amounts. 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

Phenethyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a natural and appealing floral-fruity note to formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive amounts can lead to an overpowering scent. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on phenethyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations in use levels may exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major regulatory bodies.

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 2026-08-24 06:38:43 GMT (p2)