FlavScents AInsights Entry: Dimethyl Anthranilate (CAS: 85-91-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Dimethyl anthranilate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl 2-aminobenzoate
• CAS Number: 85-91-6
• FEMA Number: 2385
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C9H11NO2
• Molecular Weight: 165.19 g/mol

Dimethyl anthranilate is characterized by its ester functional group, which contributes to its distinctive fruity and floral aroma. The presence of the amino group in its structure is crucial for its odor profile, influencing its use in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Dimethyl anthranilate is known for its sweet, fruity, and floral aroma, reminiscent of grapes and orange blossoms. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with a high diffusion rate, making it an impactful note in formulations. The compound's taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations. It serves as both an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the overall sensory experience of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Dimethyl anthranilate naturally occurs in various fruits, including grapes and citrus fruits, and is also found in certain flowers like orange blossoms. It can be formed through enzymatic processes in plants or synthesized via esterification of anthranilic acid with methanol. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances."

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

4. Use in Flavors

Dimethyl anthranilate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in grape, citrus, and berry profiles. It acts as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth to fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, dimethyl anthranilate is utilized in floral and fruity fragrance families, often in perfumes, body sprays, and personal care products. It functions as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion.

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.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though formulators should verify country-specific guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, dimethyl anthranilate is considered safe within established use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically defined but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is typically low-risk, with minimal reports of irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is considered safe under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Dimethyl anthranilate is valued for its ability to impart a natural and authentic fruity note, particularly in grape and citrus flavors. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should balance its concentration to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on dimethyl anthranilate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are generally documented, some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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

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 2026-06-10 16:17:28 GMT (p2)