FlavScents AInsights Entry: Strawberry Glycidate 2 (CAS: 121-39-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Strawberry glycidate 2
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 2-methyl-3-oxobutanoate
• CAS Number: 121-39-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C7H12O3
• Molecular Weight: 144.17 g/mol

Strawberry glycidate 2 is a synthetic compound characterized by its ester functional group, which contributes to its fruity and sweet odor profile. The presence of the glycidate moiety is significant for its odor characteristics, often associated with strawberry-like notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Strawberry glycidate 2 is known for its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of strawberries. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive character that can impart a realistic strawberry note to flavor and fragrance compositions. The compound is typically used as an impact note due to its potent and recognizable scent. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Strawberry glycidate 2 is not naturally occurring and is synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation involves chemical synthesis pathways that typically include esterification reactions. As a synthetic compound, 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

Strawberry glycidate 2 is primarily used in fruit-flavored products, especially those aiming to replicate or enhance strawberry flavors. It serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing a strong and authentic strawberry character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the matrix of the product. It is relatively stable under typical 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, strawberry glycidate 2 is used across various product types, including personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to fruity fragrance families and is often used as a modifier or impact note. The compound is typically used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5% in formulations, depending on the desired effect. It is considered a top note due to its volatility and quick diffusion.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring principles.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage should comply with national regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: No specific data available; general compliance with MERCOSUR guidelines is advised.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values available; usage should be guided by general safety principles and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should conduct patch testing for new formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications due to differing exposure routes and concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Strawberry glycidate 2 is valued for its ability to impart a strong, authentic strawberry note. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet compounds, enhancing overall flavor complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial taste. It is often under-used in formulations seeking subtlety or background realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on strawberry glycidate 2 is well-established in terms of sensory characteristics and typical use levels. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments.

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 2026-01-23 08:35:43 GMT (p2)