FlavScents AInsights Entry for Allyl 2-Ethyl Butyrate
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate
- IUPAC Name: Prop-2-en-1-yl 2-ethylbutanoate
- CAS Number: 7493-69-8
- FEMA Number: 2035
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.780
- Molecular Formula: C9H16O2
- Molecular Weight: 156.22 g/mol
Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is an ester compound characterized by its allyl group and butyrate moiety. The presence of the allyl group contributes to its fruity and sweet odor profile, which is significant in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is known for its fruity, pineapple-like aroma with sweet, ethereal nuances. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive character that can impart a tropical fruitiness to formulations. The compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a bright and juicy quality. Odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its potent aroma suggests a low threshold.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving allyl alcohol and 2-ethylbutyric acid. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as pineapple, apple, and tropical blends. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the overall fruitiness and providing a fresh, juicy character. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in more concentrated flavor bases. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is used to impart a fresh, fruity top note, often in conjunction with other esters to create a complex, tropical scent profile. It is commonly found in personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaning products. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications.
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 an assigned FL number.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, subject to local regulations.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, but specific approvals should be verified.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but formulators should consider potential sensitization, especially in leave-on products. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility in typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profile is similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Allyl 2-ethyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the blend. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be diluted.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on allyl 2-ethyl butyrate 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 readily available.
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
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 2026-02-24 18:33:13 GMT (p2)