FlavScents AInsights Entry for Propylene Glycol Acetone Ketal (CAS: 1193-11-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Propylene Glycol Acetone Ketal
• IUPAC Name: 2,2-Dimethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxolane
• CAS Number: 1193-11-9
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: Data not found
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 146.18 g/mol

Propylene glycol acetone ketal is a cyclic acetal formed from acetone and propylene glycol. Its structure features a dioxolane ring, which is significant for its stability and reactivity in various formulations. The presence of the hydroxymethyl group contributes to its solubility and potential interactions in flavor and fragrance matrices.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Propylene glycol acetone ketal is characterized by a mild, sweet odor with subtle fruity undertones. It is often described as having a low intensity and serves primarily as a background note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used to enhance the overall complexity of a fragrance or flavor profile without dominating it.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Propylene glycol acetone ketal is not known to occur naturally. It is synthesized through the reaction of acetone with propylene glycol under acidic conditions, forming a stable cyclic acetal. This synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, propylene glycol acetone ketal is used to impart subtle sweetness and enhance the overall profile of fruit and dessert flavors. It acts as a modifier, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to off-notes. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Propylene glycol acetone ketal is utilized in fragrance formulations across various product types, including personal care and household products. It contributes to the top and middle notes, offering a subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall fragrance complexity. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.1% to 1% in the final product. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with both top and middle notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Specific regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not clearly documented; general safety compliance is advised.
• Latin America: No specific data found; adherence to local regulations and safety standards is recommended.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; general safety practices suggest low toxicity at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization reported; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests low risk under normal use conditions; occupational exposure limits are not clearly defined.

Overall, the risk profile does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to recommended use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Propylene glycol acetone ketal is valued for its ability to subtly enhance sweetness and complexity in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with fruity and dessert profiles, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to undesirable off-notes. Formulators should consider its moderate volatility and stability when designing products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on propylene glycol acetone ketal is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, necessitating reliance on general safety practices and industry norms.

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 08:21:54 GMT (p2)