FlavScents AInsights Entry for Benzyl Acetate (CAS: 140-11-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: Benzyl acetate
• CAS Number: 140-11-4
• FEMA Number: 2135
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.008
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 150.17 g/mol

Benzyl acetate is an ester formed from benzyl alcohol and acetic acid. It features an aromatic benzyl group linked to an acetate moiety, which contributes to its characteristic sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of jasmine. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of jasmine and ylang-ylang. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a versatile ingredient in perfumery. The compound also imparts a sweet, fruity flavor with a hint of pear and apple, contributing to its use in flavor applications. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzyl acetate occurs naturally in various flowers, including jasmine, ylang-ylang, and gardenia. It is also found in fruits such as apples and pears. The compound can be formed through enzymatic reactions in plants, where benzyl alcohol is acetylated by acetic acid. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be classified as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Benzyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and banana. It serves as an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the overall profile of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. It is 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 perfumery, benzyl acetate is a key component in floral fragrance families, particularly those mimicking jasmine and ylang-ylang. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a sweet, floral top to middle note. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Benzyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 09.008.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with harmonized use levels.

Explicit approvals exist across major regions, with harmonized assumptions for its use in both flavors and fragrances. However, country-specific variability may occur, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzyl acetate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety with no specific ADI established, but it is included in the TTC approach for flavoring substances. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low irritation and sensitization potential, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the desired sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on benzyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by 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 2026-09-01 10:27:00 GMT (p2)