FlavScents AInsights Entry for Green Acetate (CAS: 88-41-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Green Acetate
- IUPAC Name: 3-Methylbutyl acetate
- CAS Number: 88-41-5
- FEMA Number: 2055
- Other Identifiers: FL number 09.010
- Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
- Molecular Weight: 130.18 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Green acetate is an ester, characterized by its fruity and floral aroma. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, contributing to its use in both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Green acetate is known for its fresh, fruity, and slightly floral aroma, reminiscent of pears and apples. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a crisp and refreshing character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its sensory role is well-established in enhancing the freshness and fruitiness of a composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Green acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples and pears, where it contributes to their characteristic aroma. It can be formed through enzymatic processes during fruit ripening. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Green acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a functional component to enhance fruitiness and provide a fresh, crisp note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. 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, green acetate is utilized in a variety of fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in products like perfumes, body sprays, and air fresheners.
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 09.010.
- 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
- Oral Exposure: Considered safe for use in food products at typical concentrations, with no specific ADI established. The margin of safety is generally high due to its natural occurrence in foods.
- Dermal Exposure: Low potential for irritation or sensitization, making it suitable for use in personal care products.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility requires consideration in occupational settings, but typical consumer exposure is within safe limits.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Green acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overly synthetic or harsh aroma. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can provide unexpected freshness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on green acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds are not always documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance. Some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification.
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 2026-06-24 20:03:29 GMT (p2)