FlavScents AInsights Entry for Octyl Acetate (CAS: 112-14-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Octyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Octyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 112-14-1
• FEMA Number: 2815
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.037
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol

Octyl acetate is an ester formed from octanol and acetic acid. It features a long carbon chain, which contributes to its fruity, sweet odor reminiscent of oranges. The ester functional group is crucial for its characteristic scent, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Octyl acetate is known for its sweet, fruity aroma with a strong resemblance to oranges and a hint of pear. It is often described as having a medium to high intensity with good diffusion properties. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a fresh, juicy character to citrus profiles.

Taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory impact is significant enough to be used in small concentrations to achieve the desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Octyl acetate naturally occurs in various fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits. It can also be found in some flowers and essential oils. The compound is typically formed through the esterification of octanol and acetic acid, a reaction that can occur naturally in fruits or be synthesized for commercial use.

Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the method of extraction and processing.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Octyl acetate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in citrus and tropical fruit profiles. It is commonly found in beverages, candies, and baked goods. Its functional role is to enhance the fruity character and provide a fresh, juicy note.

Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with lower concentrations used for subtle background notes and higher concentrations for more pronounced impact. These values are industry-typical estimates, as specific documented ranges are not always available.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, but it may be prone to oxidation, which can affect its sensory properties over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, octyl acetate is used across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and fruity compositions. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the freshness and realism of the scent.

Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility allows it to function primarily as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use. No specific restrictions for fragrance use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.037.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions based on international standards.

Explicit approvals are in place for flavor use, while fragrance applications rely on harmonized safety assessments. Some variability exists in concentration limits and usage conditions across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, octyl acetate is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. The margin of safety is generally high due to its low toxicity.

Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is also deemed safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at typical use levels. IFRA standards provide guidance on safe concentrations.

Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent potential irritation.

Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Octyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and citrus components, enhancing the overall profile.

Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can enhance background realism.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on octyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific concentration ranges may rely on typical usage rather than explicit documentation.

Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which are not clearly reported in the literature.

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 2026-02-09 20:57:43 GMT (p2)