FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Acetoacetate (CAS: 141-97-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Ethyl acetoacetate, commonly known as EAA, is a versatile chemical compound used in both flavor and fragrance industries. Its IUPAC name is ethyl 3-oxobutanoate. The CAS number for ethyl acetoacetate is 141-97-9. It is identified by FEMA number 2414. Other identifiers include FL number 09.037 and CoE number 04.008. The molecular formula of ethyl acetoacetate is C6H10O3, with a molecular weight of 130.14 g/mol. The compound features an ester functional group, which is significant for its fruity and sweet odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl acetoacetate is characterized by a fruity, sweet odor with nuances of green apple and pineapple. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and fruity character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer in complex flavor and fragrance systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl acetoacetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the Claisen condensation of ethyl acetate. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, it can be used in formulations labeled as "natural" if derived from natural precursors through approved processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, ethyl acetoacetate is used across various categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery flavors. It functions as a flavor enhancer and modifier, contributing to the overall complexity and depth of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 5 ppm. Ethyl acetoacetate is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Ethyl acetoacetate is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within fruity and floral fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the freshness and sweetness of the composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, ethyl acetoacetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. 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, including Japan and China, ethyl acetoacetate is permitted for use in flavors, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also allow its use, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, ethyl acetoacetate has an established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) based on its FEMA GRAS status, though specific values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally considered safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported under typical use conditions. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed. 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

Ethyl acetoacetate is valued for its ability to enhance and modify flavor and fragrance profiles, providing a fresh and fruity character. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions if used excessively. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtle impact can enhance overall harmony.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl acetoacetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific numeric values, such as taste and odor thresholds, are not clearly reported. Regulatory information is robust, with clear guidelines across major regions.

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 2026-02-13 12:24:42 GMT (p2)