FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Nonanoate (CAS: 123-29-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Nonanoate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl Nonanoate
• CAS Number: 123-29-5
• FEMA Number: 2438
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C11H22O2
• Molecular Weight: 186.29 g/mol

Ethyl nonanoate is an ester formed from nonanoic acid and ethanol. Its structure features a long carbon chain, which contributes to its characteristic fruity odor. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl nonanoate is characterized by a fruity, waxy odor reminiscent of apples and pears. It is often described as having a medium intensity with moderate diffusion. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a fresh, fruity character that enhances the overall profile of fruit flavors.

Taste and odor thresholds for ethyl nonanoate are not widely documented, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl nonanoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, pears, and grapes. It is formed through enzymatic esterification processes in these fruits, contributing to their characteristic aromas. This compound is often used to enhance "natural flavor" designations in food products due to its presence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl nonanoate is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, particularly in fruit and confectionery applications. It functions as a key impact note, providing a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances the authenticity of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, ethyl nonanoate is used across several fragrance families, including fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier, adding a fresh, fruity top note that enhances the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity.

Ethyl nonanoate contributes primarily to the top note due to its volatility, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, ethyl nonanoate is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. The compound is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FEMA. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low potential for irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl nonanoate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on ethyl nonanoate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds may require further research. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with harmonized approvals 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 2026-06-16 13:06:34 GMT (p2)