FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetophenone (CAS: 98-86-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetophenone
• IUPAC Name: 1-Phenylethanone
• CAS Number: 98-86-2
• FEMA Number: 2009
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.001, CoE No. 01.001
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O
• Molecular Weight: 120.15 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Acetophenone contains a ketone functional group, which contributes to its sweet, floral odor reminiscent of orange blossoms. The phenyl group enhances its aromatic properties, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetophenone is characterized by its sweet, floral odor with nuances of almond and cherry. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a pleasant, diffusive quality. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, providing a sweet, fruity character. The odor threshold of acetophenone is relatively low, allowing it to be effective in small concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetophenone naturally occurs in various fruits and plants, including apples, apricots, and strawberries. It can also be formed through the oxidation of ethylbenzene or by the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with acetyl chloride. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain contexts, depending on the extraction method.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetophenone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, nut, and floral profiles. It functions as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the overall complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. Acetophenone is stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, acetophenone is used across several fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges vary from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, sweet aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetophenone is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: It is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory alignment with the EU is maintained post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Recognized under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Acetophenone has a low acute toxicity profile, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. The margin of safety is considered adequate for typical flavor use.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, acetophenone is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use levels. IFRA guidelines provide specific concentration limits to ensure safety.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but occupational exposure limits are well-defined to minimize risk.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetophenone is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on acetophenone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are consistent with regulatory guidelines, though some variability exists in regional regulations. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional approvals.

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 2026-03-31 05:04:06 GMT (p2)