FlavScents AInsights Entry for Bornyl Acetate (CAS: 76-49-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Bornyl acetate, also known as bornyl ethanoate, is a naturally occurring organic compound. It is commonly found in essential oils and is used in both flavor and fragrance industries. The IUPAC name for bornyl acetate is 2-bornyl acetate. Its CAS number is 76-49-3, and it is recognized by FEMA with the number 2157. The molecular formula of bornyl acetate is C12H20O2, and it has a molecular weight of 196.29 g/mol. Structurally, bornyl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its pleasant, pine-like aroma. The acetate group in its structure is crucial for its odor profile, providing a sweet, balsamic note that is highly valued in perfumery.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bornyl acetate is characterized by its fresh, piney, and camphoraceous odor, often described as having a balsamic undertone. It is a key component in creating forest-like or coniferous scents and is used to impart a crisp, clean aroma in various applications. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for both impact and background roles in formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, bornyl acetate is typically used in concentrations that provide a noticeable yet balanced sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bornyl acetate is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those from pine, fir, and rosemary. It is biosynthesized in plants through the acetylation of borneol, a process that involves the enzyme acetyltransferase. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its widespread occurrence in nature and its extraction from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, bornyl acetate is used to impart a fresh, pine-like note to food and beverage products. It is commonly found in mint and herbal flavor profiles and is used in applications such as chewing gum, confectionery, and beverages. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Bornyl acetate is relatively stable under normal processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and prolonged exposure to air, which can lead to oxidation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Bornyl acetate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, contributing to the freshness and naturalness of pine, herbal, and woody fragrance families. It is used in a variety of product types, including perfumes, air fresheners, and household cleaning products. Concentration levels typically range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the formulation and desired effect. Due to its moderate volatility, bornyl acetate is often used as a middle note, providing a lasting freshness that bridges top and base notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, bornyl acetate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulations may vary, but countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR typically follow international safety assessments.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Bornyl acetate is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, though it is important to adhere to IFRA guidelines to prevent irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility and typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bornyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, natural aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and esters, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if used excessively, particularly in delicate compositions. It is often under-utilized in non-traditional applications, where its unique profile can offer unexpected benefits.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bornyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented uses may exist. There are no significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities, making it a reliable choice for formulators.
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 2026-07-09 07:33:43 GMT (p2)