FlavScents AInsights Entry for 3-Heptyl Acetate (CAS: 5921-83-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 3-Heptyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Heptyl acetate
• CAS Number: 5921-83-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 158.24 g/mol

3-Heptyl acetate is an ester formed from heptanol and acetic acid. Its structure consists of a heptyl group attached to an acetate moiety, which contributes to its characteristic fruity and floral odor profile. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory properties, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

3-Heptyl acetate is characterized by a fruity, floral aroma with nuances reminiscent of pear and apple. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in various formulations. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but its sensory role typically involves enhancing the fruity and floral aspects of a composition, providing both realism and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

3-Heptyl acetate is naturally found in various fruits, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can be formed through enzymatic reactions during the ripening process of fruits or through fermentation. 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

3-Heptyl acetate is utilized in flavor formulations to impart fruity and floral notes, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and desserts. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the overall flavor profile. 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 relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 3-heptyl acetate is used to add a fresh, fruity, and floral character to compositions. It is commonly found in floral and fruity fragrance families and is used in products such as perfumes, body sprays, and personal care items. The compound typically contributes to the top and middle notes of a fragrance, with concentration ranges varying based on the formulation. Its volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed safe under general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety standards.
• Latin America: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety standards.

Explicit approvals for 3-heptyl acetate are not well-documented, and its use is typically governed by general safety and regulatory guidelines applicable to flavor and fragrance compounds.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should follow IFRA guidelines for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are generally similar, with safety primarily ensured through adherence to established use levels and guidelines.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

3-Heptyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity, and floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity esters and floral compounds, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, natural fruitiness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 3-heptyl acetate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical use in formulations. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

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
• Section 5a is not applicable as 3-heptyl acetate is a single compound

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 14:45:36 GMT (p2)