FlavScents AInsights Entry: para-Cresyl Acetate (CAS: 140-39-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Cresyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: 4-methylphenyl acetate
• CAS Number: 140-39-6
• FEMA Number: 2330
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 150.18 g/mol

para-Cresyl acetate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of an acetate group attached to a para-cresol moiety. The functional groups present in this compound contribute to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as sweet, floral, and slightly phenolic. The acetate group is crucial for its volatility and odor characteristics, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

para-Cresyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly phenolic odor, reminiscent of hawthorn and mimosa. It is often used to impart a floral character in both flavors and fragrances. The compound has a moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as an impact note or a modifier in complex formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory impact is well-recognized in the industry.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

para-Cresyl acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the esterification of para-cresol with acetic acid. This synthetic pathway is typical in the production of many flavor and fragrance esters. While it is not naturally occurring, its synthetic version is often used in products labeled as "nature-identical" due to its structural similarity to naturally occurring compounds.

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

4. Use in Flavors

para-Cresyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and sweet profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing a floral and sweet note that enhances the overall complexity of the flavor. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally 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 the fragrance industry, para-Cresyl acetate is used across several fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance, while its floral character provides depth and complexity.

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. 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, para-Cresyl acetate is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is considered low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use levels. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling to prevent overexposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

para-Cresyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively, and it is often under-utilized in compositions where a subtle floral note is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on para-Cresyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds are not always documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance for its use. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies, which are supplemented by general 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 2026-05-02 09:16:57 GMT (p2)