FlavScents AInsights Entry for Butyl Hexanoate (CAS: 626-82-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Butyl hexanoate
• IUPAC Name: Butyl hexanoate
• CAS Number: 626-82-4
• FEMA Number: 2203
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol

Butyl hexanoate is an ester formed from hexanoic acid and butanol. It is characterized by its fruity odor, which is attributed to the ester functional group. This compound is often used in flavor and fragrance formulations due to its pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of pineapple and apple.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Butyl hexanoate is known for its sweet, fruity odor with notes of pineapple and apple. It is often described as having a medium intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold for butyl hexanoate is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable flavor at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Butyl hexanoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and pineapples. It is formed through enzymatic esterification processes in these fruits. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Butyl hexanoate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as an impact note, providing a fresh, fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, butyl hexanoate is utilized in various fragrance families, including fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity 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 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Follows 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, with harmonized assumptions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, butyl hexanoate is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl hexanoate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity notes, enhancing overall product appeal. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on butyl hexanoate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in natural occurrence data due to differences in fruit sources and processing methods.

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 2026-02-13 08:33:44 GMT (p2)