FlavScents AInsights Entry: Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane (CAS: 70356-09-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Butyl Methoxydibenzoyl Methane, Avobenzone
- IUPAC Name: 1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propane-1,3-dione
- CAS Number: 70356-09-1
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL number not applicable, CoE number not applicable, IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C20H22O3
- Molecular Weight: 310.39 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane is characterized by its diketone structure, which is crucial for its function as a UV filter rather than for any odor properties. It does not have a significant odor profile relevant to flavor or fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane is primarily used for its UV-absorbing properties and does not contribute significantly to odor or flavor profiles. It is generally considered odorless in the context of its application.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found; typically not relevant due to its primary use as a UV filter.
- Typical Sensory Role: Not applicable as it is not used for sensory impact in flavors or fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally.
- Formation Pathways: It is synthesized through chemical processes involving the reaction of 4-tert-butylbenzoyl chloride with 4-methoxyacetophenone.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Not applicable; primarily used as a UV filter in cosmetic formulations.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Not applicable.
- Typical Use Levels: Not applicable in food or beverage systems.
- Stability Considerations: Butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane is stable under normal conditions but can degrade under prolonged UV exposure, which is why it is often used in combination with other stabilizers in sunscreen formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Used in sunscreen products rather than traditional fragrance applications.
- Functional Role: Provides UV protection in cosmetic products, not used for fragrance impact.
- Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations up to 3% in sunscreen formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Not applicable as it is not used for its fragrance properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Approved by the FDA for use in sunscreens up to 3%.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Approved for use in cosmetic products as a UV filter.
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Follows EU regulations for cosmetic use.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Approved for use in sunscreens, with varying concentration limits.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Generally approved for use in sunscreens, subject to regional regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Not applicable as it is not used in food products.
- Dermal Exposure: Considered safe for use in sunscreens at concentrations up to 3%. Some concerns about photodegradation products exist, necessitating stabilization in formulations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Minimal risk due to low volatility; primarily a concern in occupational settings during manufacturing.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Provides broad-spectrum UV protection in sunscreen formulations.
- Typical Synergies: Often used with other UV filters like octocrylene to enhance stability and efficacy.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Photodegradation can reduce efficacy; requires stabilization.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Overused in formulations without adequate stabilization, leading to reduced effectiveness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Regulatory approvals and safety data for cosmetic use are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Stabilization techniques are often proprietary.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited data on long-term environmental impact.
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 (not applicable)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)
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 2026-02-05 19:14:13 GMT (p2)