FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ethyl Decanoate (CAS: 110-38-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl decanoate, Decanoic acid ethyl ester
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl decanoate
• CAS Number: 110-38-3
• FEMA Number: 2438
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.011
• Molecular Formula: C12H24O2
• Molecular Weight: 200.32 g/mol

Ethyl decanoate is an ester formed from decanoic acid and ethanol. It is characterized by its long carbon chain, which contributes to its relatively low volatility and distinctive fruity odor. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, imparting a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of apple and pear, which is valuable in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl decanoate is known for its sweet, fruity odor with nuances of apple and pear. It is often described as having a medium intensity and moderate diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in formulations. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is typically low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

In sensory applications, ethyl decanoate is primarily used to impart a fruity character, enhancing the overall realism and appeal of the product. It serves as both an impact note and a background modifier, depending on the concentration and the complexity of the formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl decanoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and grapes. It is also found in alcoholic beverages such as wine and brandy, where it forms during fermentation processes. The esterification of decanoic acid with ethanol, either enzymatically or chemically, is a common pathway for its formation.

This compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its presence in natural sources and its formation through natural processes like fermentation.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl decanoate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and desserts. It functions as a key component in apple, pear, and tropical fruit flavors, providing a sweet and fruity note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 10 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is generally 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 decanoate is used in various product types, including perfumes, body sprays, and household products. It is often incorporated into fruity and floral fragrance families, where it acts as a modifier or impact note to enhance the overall scent profile.

Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent odor. Ethyl decanoate contributes primarily to the top and middle notes, providing a fresh and fruity character that complements other fragrance components.

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 09.011.
• 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.

Ethyl decanoate is widely accepted across major markets, with harmonized assumptions regarding its safety and use levels. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl decanoate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels.

• Oral Exposure: The compound has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical flavor use levels. The ADI is not specifically established, but it is generally recognized as safe.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, ethyl decanoate is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use concentrations. It is included in IFRA standards with no specific restrictions.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its low volatility, inhalation risks are minimal, though occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl decanoate is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall complexity and appeal of the formulation.

Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance background realism without dominating the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl decanoate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent with documented use levels, though some regional regulatory nuances may require additional verification.

Known data gaps include specific taste thresholds and detailed toxicological studies, which are typically addressed through industry-standard safety assessments.

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 2026-02-06 23:28:19 GMT (p2)