FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Hydrocinnamate (CAS: 2021-28-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl hydrocinnamate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 3-phenylpropanoate
• CAS Number: 2021-28-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C11H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 178.23 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl hydrocinnamate is an ester, which typically contributes to fruity and floral notes in both flavors and fragrances. The phenyl group in its structure is significant for its aromatic properties, enhancing its olfactory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl hydrocinnamate is characterized by its sweet, balsamic odor with floral and fruity nuances. It is often described as having a mild intensity with moderate diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. The taste and odor thresholds for ethyl hydrocinnamate are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl hydrocinnamate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification of hydrocinnamic acid with ethanol. This synthetic pathway is typical for many esters used in flavor and fragrance applications. Its synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations unless derived from natural precursors through approved processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl hydrocinnamate is used in various flavor categories, including fruity and floral profiles. It serves as a modifier to enhance the sweetness and depth of fruit flavors, particularly in berry and tropical fruit applications. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, ethyl hydrocinnamate is used across several fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and gourmand. It acts as a trace realism enhancer and a modifier, contributing to the overall complexity of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and role within the fragrance pyramid. It is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ethyl hydrocinnamate is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but is used in compliance with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage is subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety guidelines.
• Latin America: Usage is typically aligned with international standards, but specific national regulations should be consulted.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available for ethyl hydrocinnamate. It is used at low concentrations in food, minimizing potential toxicity.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use limits.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a component of fragrances, it is used in concentrations that are not expected to pose significant inhalation risks under normal use conditions.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl hydrocinnamate is valued for its ability to impart sweet, floral, and fruity notes, enhancing the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate blends if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking subtle sweetness and depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl hydrocinnamate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety assessments.

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 2026-06-26 18:22:11 GMT (p2)