FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Benzoate (CAS: 93-89-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Benzoate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl benzoate
• CAS Number: 93-89-0
• FEMA Number: 2422
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 150.17 g/mol

Ethyl benzoate is an ester formed from benzoic acid and ethanol. It features a benzene ring bonded to an ester functional group, which contributes to its characteristic sweet, fruity aroma. The ester linkage is crucial for its odor profile, as it imparts the compound's volatility and sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl benzoate is characterized by its sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of berries and floral notes. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. Typically, ethyl benzoate serves as an impact note or a modifier in complex sensory profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl benzoate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples and strawberries, and is also found in certain essential oils. It can form through esterification reactions, where benzoic acid reacts with ethanol, often facilitated by enzymatic processes in plants. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, depending on the context of its use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl benzoate is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and confectionery applications. It functions primarily as an impact note, enhancing the fruity and floral characteristics of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound is generally stable under standard processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, ethyl benzoate is employed in floral and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired olfactory effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance, while its moderate persistence supports the middle phase of the scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States

Ethyl benzoate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.

European Union

It is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned FL No. 09.037.

United Kingdom

Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, maintaining similar approvals.

Asia

In Japan and China, ethyl benzoate is permitted for use in flavors, subject to specific concentration limits.

Latin America

Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize ethyl benzoate under harmonized flavor regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure

Ethyl benzoate has a high margin of safety for oral consumption, with an ADI not specifically established but considered safe at typical use levels.

Dermal Exposure

In fragrance applications, it is not a primary irritant or sensitizer, aligning with IFRA guidelines for safe use.

Inhalation Exposure

Volatility considerations suggest minimal risk under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure should be monitored.

Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns at standard usage levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl benzoate is valued for its ability to enhance fruity and floral notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add unexpected complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl benzoate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented use levels, though some regional regulatory nuances may exist. No significant data gaps or ambiguities are noted.

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 12:29:42 GMT (p2)