FlavScents AInsights Entry: Phenyl Acetaldehyde (CAS: 122-78-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Phenyl acetaldehyde
- IUPAC Name: 2-phenylacetaldehyde
- CAS Number: 122-78-1
- FEMA Number: 2878
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.013
- Molecular Formula: C8H8O
- Molecular Weight: 120.15 g/mol
Phenyl acetaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde characterized by a benzene ring attached to an acetaldehyde group. This structure contributes to its distinctive floral and green odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Phenyl acetaldehyde is known for its sweet, floral, and green odor, reminiscent of hyacinth and rose. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. In flavor applications, it imparts a honey-like, floral taste. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations. It typically serves as an impact note or a modifier in complex formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Phenyl acetaldehyde naturally occurs in various plants and is a component of essential oils such as rose and hyacinth. It can form through the enzymatic degradation of phenylalanine or via the Maillard reaction during food processing. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Phenyl acetaldehyde is utilized in flavor formulations across categories such as confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It functions as a floral and sweet modifier, enhancing the overall profile of the product. Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering floral notes. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, phenyl acetaldehyde is employed in floral fragrance families, particularly those mimicking rose and hyacinth. It acts as a top to middle note, providing a fresh, green floral character. Concentration ranges in formulations are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent odor. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in fine fragrances and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.013.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, but specific regulations may apply in countries like Brazil.
Explicit approvals exist in major markets, though harmonized assumptions and country-specific variability should be considered.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Phenyl acetaldehyde's safety profile is well-documented for oral exposure, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its volatility and typical use concentrations. Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Phenyl acetaldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a natural floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and green notes, enhancing complexity and realism. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering scent or taste. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral nuance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on phenyl acetaldehyde is robust, with well-established sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information readily available from authoritative sources.
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 2026-08-25 13:21:14 GMT (p2)
