FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Vinyl Ketone (CAS: 1629-58-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Vinyl Ketone
• IUPAC Name: But-3-en-2-one
• CAS Number: 1629-58-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available, CoE number not available, IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C4H6O
• Molecular Weight: 70.09 g/mol

Ethyl vinyl ketone is a simple unsaturated ketone characterized by a vinyl group attached to a carbonyl group. The presence of the vinyl group contributes to its reactivity and potential for polymerization. The structure-odor relevance is significant as the unsaturation and carbonyl group can influence its sensory properties, often imparting a pungent, sharp odor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl vinyl ketone is known for its sharp, pungent odor, which can be described as acrid and somewhat sweet. It is often used as an impact note in formulations due to its intense and diffusive nature. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective in small concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a modifier, providing a distinct sharpness that can enhance or alter the perception of other components in a blend.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl vinyl ketone is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It can be formed through chemical synthesis involving the dehydration of 3-hydroxybutanone. Its relevance to "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations is limited due to its synthetic origin, although it can be used in formulations that aim to mimic natural profiles.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl vinyl ketone is used in flavor formulations to impart a sharp, pungent note. It is particularly useful in savory applications, where it can enhance the perception of freshness and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the matrix of the product. It is important to consider its stability, as it can be sensitive to heat and oxidation, which may lead to degradation or off-flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, ethyl vinyl ketone is used to add a sharp, fresh note to compositions. It is often employed in trace amounts to modify or enhance the overall scent profile. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, where it can provide an initial burst of freshness. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.01% to 0.1% in the final product, depending on the desired effect and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and labeling practices should be followed.
• Latin America: No specific data available; adherence to local regulations and safety practices is advised.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl vinyl ketone poses potential safety concerns due to its reactivity and volatility. For oral exposure, data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) is not clearly reported, but caution is advised due to its pungency and potential irritancy. Dermal exposure may lead to irritation or sensitization, and it is not typically recommended for direct skin contact in fragrance applications. Inhalation exposure should be minimized, especially in occupational settings, due to its volatility and potential respiratory irritation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl vinyl ketone is valued for its ability to impart a sharp, fresh note in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and ketones, enhancing their impact and diffusion. Formulators should be cautious of its reactivity and potential for polymerization, which can lead to stability issues. It is often under-used due to its pungency, but when used judiciously, it can significantly enhance the sensory profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl vinyl ketone is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which necessitate cautious use and adherence to general safety guidelines. Industry practices often rely on informed estimates and typical usage levels due to the lack of explicit regulatory guidance.

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 2026-08-13 11:43:35 GMT (p2)