FlavScents AInsights Entry for Butyl Phenyl Acetate (CAS: 122-43-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Butyl Phenyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Butyl 2-phenylacetate
• CAS Number: 122-43-0
• FEMA Number: 2194
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C12H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 192.26 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Butyl phenyl acetate is an ester, characterized by its aromatic phenyl group and ester linkage, contributing to its sweet, floral, and fruity odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Butyl phenyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of honey and rose. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as a middle note in fragrance compositions. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable impact even at minimal concentrations. In flavor applications, it is often used to enhance fruity and floral notes, providing a sense of naturalness and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Butyl phenyl acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification of phenylacetic acid with butanol. This synthetic pathway is typical in the production of esters used in flavor and fragrance industries. While it is not naturally occurring, its structural similarity to naturally occurring esters allows it to be used in "natural flavor" formulations under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Butyl phenyl acetate is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and honey profiles. It serves as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the overall complexity and authenticity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, butyl phenyl acetate is incorporated into floral and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a middle note, providing a sweet and floral character that enhances the overall bouquet. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to both the top and middle phases of fragrance evaporation.

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, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific variability may exist.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, butyl phenyl acetate is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally non-irritating, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl phenyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural profile due to its synthetic origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on butyl phenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are documented, though some variability in use levels and regulatory interpretations may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory nuances.

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 2026-11-09 10:24:29 GMT (p2)