FlavScents AInsights Entry: Phenethyl Phenyl Acetate (CAS: 102-20-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is a single chemical compound commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is 2-phenylethyl phenylacetate, and it is identified by the CAS number 102-20-5. The compound does not have a FEMA number but is recognized by other identifiers such as its FL number and CoE number. The molecular formula for phenethyl phenyl acetate is C16H16O2, with a molecular weight of 240.30 g/mol. Structurally, it contains an ester functional group, which is significant for its odor profile, contributing to its sweet, floral, and fruity characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is known for its pleasant, sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of roses and honey. It is often described as having a fruity undertone, contributing to its use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for creating a lasting scent profile. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, it is typically used in formulations where a subtle yet distinct floral note is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving phenethyl alcohol and phenylacetic acid. This synthetic pathway is crucial for its designation as a "nature-identical" compound in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation does not typically involve natural processes like the Maillard reaction or fermentation, which limits its classification as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, phenethyl phenyl acetate is used to impart floral and fruity notes to a variety of products, including confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often acting as a modifier to enhance the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations around 5 ppm. The compound is relatively stable under normal processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral and fruity fragrance families. It functions as a modifier and impact note, providing a sweet, floral character to perfumes, soaps, and personal care products. Typical concentration ranges in formulations vary, with trace amounts to several percent depending on the desired intensity. The compound contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Phenethyl phenyl 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, though specific divergences may occur. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often harmonizing with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries follow similar guidelines, though specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances when used within recommended limits. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by a favorable margin of safety, though specific ADI or MSDI values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, 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

Phenethyl phenyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should consider its stability and compatibility with other ingredients to optimize its use.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on phenethyl phenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific numeric values, such as taste and odor thresholds, may be less defined. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies, which are supplemented by industry-typical practices and expert guidance.

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 2026-09-14 07:35:10 GMT (p2)