FlavScents AInsights Entry for Heptyl Acetate (CAS: 112-06-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Heptyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Heptyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 112-06-1
• FEMA Number: 2555
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 158.24 g/mol

Heptyl acetate is an ester formed from heptanol and acetic acid. It features a linear alkyl chain, which contributes to its characteristic fruity odor. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Heptyl acetate is known for its pleasant, fruity odor reminiscent of pears and apples. It is often described as having a sweet, slightly green, and fresh character. The compound is used as an impact note in formulations, providing a crisp and clean fruity aroma. Its 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

Heptyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and pears, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can be formed through enzymatic reactions in fruits or synthesized via esterification of heptanol with acetic acid. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Heptyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and other tropical fruits. It serves as both an impact note and a background enhancer, providing authenticity and depth to flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. It is generally stable under typical food 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, heptyl acetate is utilized in various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the freshness and naturalness of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. It is considered a top to middle note due to its moderate volatility.

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. 09.013.
• 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.

Heptyl acetate is widely accepted across major markets, with harmonized assumptions for its use in both flavors and fragrances. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Heptyl acetate 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 an ADI not specifically established but considered safe under current use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines provide usage limits to ensure safety.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Heptyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, creating complex and appealing profiles. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial scent. It is often under-utilized in non-fruity applications where it can add a subtle freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on heptyl 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. 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 any item is missing, immediately revise the entry to fix it before returning the final output.

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 2026-02-03 14:46:35 GMT (p2)