FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl 2-Methyl Benzoate (CAS: 89-71-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl 2-methyl benzoate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl 2-methylbenzoate
• CAS Number: 89-71-4
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 150.18 g/mol

Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of a methyl group attached to the benzoate moiety. The ester functional group contributes to its characteristic odor profile, which is often described as sweet and fruity. The structural relevance to odor is primarily due to the ester linkage, which is known to impart pleasant, often floral or fruity notes in aromatic compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is noted for its sweet, fruity odor with floral undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound's sensory role is typically as a modifier, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation by adding a sweet, fruity character.

Taste and odor thresholds for methyl 2-methyl benzoate are not well-documented in the literature, which suggests that formulators should rely on empirical testing to determine optimal concentrations in specific applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving methanol and 2-methylbenzoic acid. This synthetic pathway is typical for many ester compounds used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its presence in natural products is limited, and it is primarily used in formulations that do not require a "natural" designation.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is used in various flavor categories, including fruit and floral profiles. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing sweetness and adding complexity to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering sweetness or off-notes.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time. Formulators should consider these factors when incorporating methyl 2-methyl benzoate into flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, methyl 2-methyl benzoate is used across various fragrance families, including floral and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier, providing trace realism and enhancing the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and role within the composition.

The compound contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility, offering a sweet, fruity aroma that blends well with other floral and fruity elements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS, indicating that its use in flavors may require additional safety assessments.
• European Union: Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, it is not specifically listed, suggesting formulators should verify its status for specific applications.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory alignment with the EU remains, but formulators should confirm any updates.
• Asia: In Japan and China, specific regulatory guidance is limited, and formulators should consult local regulations.
• Latin America: Information on regulatory status in Brazil and MERCOSUR is limited, necessitating consultation with regional authorities.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for methyl 2-methyl benzoate is not clearly reported. Formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry norms and conduct safety assessments as needed.
• Dermal Exposure: There is limited data on dermal irritation or sensitization, suggesting caution in fragrance applications. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use restrictions.
• Inhalation Exposure: Given its volatility, inhalation exposure should be considered in occupational settings, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use potentially requiring more stringent safety evaluations due to dermal exposure risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl 2-methyl benzoate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering sweetness, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl 2-methyl benzoate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which require formulators to exercise caution and verify information with authoritative sources. Industry-typical practices are often relied upon in the absence of explicit regulatory guidance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] 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 2026-01-29 07:42:41 GMT (p2)