FlavScents AInsights Entry for Eugenyl Acetate (CAS: 93-28-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Eugenyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)phenyl acetate
- CAS Number: 93-28-7
- FEMA Number: 2467
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
- Molecular Formula: C12H14O3
- Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol
Eugenyl acetate is an ester derived from eugenol, characterized by its methoxy and allyl functional groups. These groups contribute to its sweet, spicy, and clove-like aroma, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Eugenyl acetate is known for its sweet, spicy, and clove-like odor, often described as warm and slightly fruity. It is a key impact note in many spice blends and is used to impart a sense of warmth and depth. The compound has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for both top and middle notes in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Eugenyl acetate naturally occurs in several essential oils, most notably in clove oil, where it is formed through the acetylation of eugenol. It can also be found in cinnamon leaf oil and other spice-derived oils. Its presence in these natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Eugenyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in spice, clove, and vanilla profiles. It serves as an impact note and modifier, enhancing the warmth and complexity of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust spice blends. It is relatively stable under heat and acidic conditions but can oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, eugenyl acetate is utilized in oriental, spicy, and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the warmth and depth of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Eugenyl acetate is moderately volatile, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance.
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 No. 09.011.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with some variations in local regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, eugenyl acetate is considered safe within the established ADI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent overexposure in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Eugenyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart warmth and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other spice and floral notes, enhancing the overall profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering clove-like aroma. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a subtle warmth, where its impact can be finely tuned.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on eugenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.
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 13:00:55 GMT (p2)