FlavScents AInsights Entry for Butyl Acetate (CAS: 123-86-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Butyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Butyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 123-86-4
• FEMA Number: 2171
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Butyl acetate is an ester, characterized by its fruity odor, which is a result of the ester functional group. This group is crucial for its role in imparting a sweet, fruity aroma often associated with apple and banana notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Butyl acetate is known for its pleasant, fruity odor reminiscent of apples and pears. It is often described as having a sweet, ethereal, and slightly banana-like scent. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in formulations. The odor threshold for butyl acetate is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations, which enhances its utility in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Butyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and grapes. It is formed through esterification, a chemical reaction between butanol and acetic acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in natural sources and its role in mimicking natural fruit aromas.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Butyl acetate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a key component in apple, banana, and pear flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may hydrolyze under extreme pH conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, butyl acetate is utilized in a variety of fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and fruitiness. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in perfumes, body sprays, and air fresheners.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Butyl acetate is approved by the FDA and is listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: It is included in the EU's list of flavoring substances under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavoring substances.
• Asia: In Japan and China, butyl acetate is permitted for use in food flavors, subject to specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize butyl acetate as a safe flavoring agent, following international guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, butyl acetate is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is also deemed safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure, particularly in occupational settings, should be monitored due to its volatility, although it is not considered highly hazardous.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for hydrolysis in acidic or basic conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on butyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability in use levels and regulatory interpretations may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory nuances.

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 2026-03-21 07:23:31 GMT (p2)