FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Valerate (CAS: 539-82-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl valerate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl pentanoate
• CAS Number: 539-82-2
• FEMA Number: 2456
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.008
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 130.19 g/mol

Ethyl valerate is an ester formed from the reaction of ethanol and valeric acid. It is characterized by its fruity aroma, which is attributed to the ester functional group. This compound is often used in flavor and fragrance formulations due to its pleasant odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl valerate is known for its sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of apple and pineapple, with a moderate intensity and good diffusion. It is often used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a fresh and fruity character. The taste threshold for ethyl valerate is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl valerate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and strawberries. It can also be formed through the esterification process, where ethanol reacts with valeric acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl valerate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and desserts. It serves as a key component in creating apple, pineapple, and other tropical fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 10 ppm. Ethyl valerate is 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

In the fragrance industry, ethyl valerate is used in various fragrance families, including fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ethyl valerate is approved by the FDA and FEMA as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for use in food.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, allowing its use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with the EU standards for flavor use.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in countries like Brazil, following MERCOSUR guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl valerate is considered safe for oral exposure at typical use levels, with an ADI not specifically established but deemed low risk under GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is generally safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl valerate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note to 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 degradation under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl valerate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. No significant data gaps are noted, ensuring high confidence in its application.

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 12:53:20 GMT (p2)