FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Ethyl Hexyl Salicylate (CAS: 118-60-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Ethyl Hexyl Salicylate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Ethylhexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
• CAS Number: 118-60-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C15H22O3
• Molecular Weight: 250.34 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. The ester functional group is crucial for its role in fragrance applications, contributing to its ability to impart a mild, sweet, and floral odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is characterized by a mild, sweet, and floral odor, often described as reminiscent of light, fresh flowers. It is not typically used for its taste properties but rather for its olfactory contributions. The compound serves as a background realism note in fragrance compositions, providing a subtle enhancement without overpowering other elements. Its odor intensity is moderate, making it suitable for use in a variety of fragrance applications where a gentle floral note is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities. It is primarily synthesized through the esterification of salicylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. This synthetic pathway is typical for many esters used in the fragrance industry, allowing for consistent quality and availability. Due to its synthetic origin, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its primary role as a fragrance ingredient. However, when used, it may contribute to the overall aroma profile of a product rather than its taste. Typical use levels in flavor systems are not well-documented, and it is generally considered an industry-typical practice to use it at low concentrations to avoid overpowering other flavor notes. Stability in flavor applications is generally good, with resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a subtle floral sweetness that enhances the overall fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.1% to 5% depending on the desired intensity and product type. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility and a lasting floral character.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS for flavor use; primarily regulated under cosmetic and fragrance guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; used in cosmetics and fragrances.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence noted.
• Asia: Regulatory status varies; generally accepted in cosmetic and fragrance applications.
• Latin America: Accepted in fragrance applications; specific regulations may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Limited data available for flavor use; generally not intended for ingestion.
• Dermal Exposure: Considered safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances; IFRA standards provide guidance on safe concentration levels to avoid irritation or sensitization.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; generally considered safe in typical fragrance applications.

Risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure due to its primary use in cosmetics.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Ethyl hexyl salicylate is valued for its ability to impart a subtle floral sweetness to fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and sweet notes, enhancing the overall complexity and depth of the fragrance. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a delicate floral balance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-ethyl hexyl salicylate is well-established in the context of fragrance use, with industry-typical practices documented in various sources. However, there are gaps in flavor use data, reflecting its primary role as a fragrance ingredient. Regulatory ambiguities exist in terms of flavor applications, necessitating careful consideration by formulators.

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 2026-05-05 07:32:17 GMT (p2)