FlavScents AInsights Entry for Hexyl Acetate (CAS: 142-92-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Hexyl acetate, commonly known as hexyl ethanoate, is a chemical compound with the IUPAC name hexyl ethanoate. It is identified by the CAS number 142-92-7 and has a FEMA number of 2557. Other identifiers include its FL number 09.018 and CoE number 201. The molecular formula for hexyl acetate is C8H16O2, and it has a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. This compound is characterized by an ester functional group, which is crucial for its fruity odor profile, often associated with apple and pear notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Hexyl acetate is renowned for its pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of apples and pears. It is often described as having a sweet, fruity, and slightly green odor with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a fresh and juicy character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, hexyl acetate is typically used to enhance the fruity aspects of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Hexyl acetate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples, pears, and plums. It is formed through enzymatic reactions during the ripening process of these fruits. The compound is also produced via esterification of hexanol with acetic acid. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in "natural flavor" and "natural fragrance" designations, aligning with consumer preferences for naturally derived ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Hexyl acetate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It functions as a key contributor to the fruity profile, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 30 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. Hexyl acetate 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, hexyl acetate is utilized in a variety of fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing freshness and realism to the fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the formulation. Hexyl acetate is considered a top note due to its volatility and rapid evaporation rate.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

Hexyl acetate is approved for use in flavors and fragrances across multiple regions. In the United States, it is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom aligns with EU regulations. In Asia, countries like Japan and China permit its use under specific guidelines, while in Latin America, it is accepted under MERCOSUR regulations. However, formulators should verify country-specific regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Hexyl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical usage levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid evaporation, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Hexyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial note. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on hexyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with documented guidelines, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific sensory thresholds.

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

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 2026-03-21 09:41:57 GMT (p2)