FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Methyl Acetophenone (CAS: 122-00-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): para-Methyl Acetophenone, 4-Methylacetophenone
- IUPAC Name: 1-(4-Methylphenyl)ethanone
- CAS Number: 122-00-9
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available, CoE number not available, IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C9H10O
- Molecular Weight: 134.18 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: para-Methyl acetophenone contains a ketone functional group, which is often associated with sweet, floral, and fruity odors. The methyl group at the para position on the phenyl ring can influence the compound's volatility and odor profile, contributing to its use in fragrance and flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: para-Methyl acetophenone is characterized by a sweet, floral, and slightly fruity odor. It is often described as having a resemblance to hawthorn or cherry blossom.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature. However, it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent odor.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in fragrance compositions and can be used to impart a floral character in flavor formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: para-Methyl acetophenone is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
- Formation Pathways: It is typically produced through Friedel-Crafts acylation of toluene with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, para-Methyl acetophenone is not typically classified as a natural flavor or fragrance component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: para-Methyl acetophenone is used in flavor compositions to impart floral and fruity notes, often in confectionery, beverages, and bakery products.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a modifier and impact note, enhancing the floral and sweet characteristics of the flavor profile.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not readily available, but industry-typical concentrations are estimated to be in the range of 1-10 ppm in finished products.
- Stability Considerations: para-Methyl acetophenone is relatively 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
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in floral and fruity fragrance families, including perfumes, soaps, and personal care products.
- Functional Role: It serves as a trace realism note and modifier, providing a sweet, floral accent.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at concentrations of 0.1-1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: para-Methyl acetophenone is considered a middle note due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed under EU flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Follows EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory information not available; generally aligns with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are reported. General safety assessments suggest low toxicity at typical use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe in typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards are reported.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications are noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: para-Methyl acetophenone is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character in both flavors and fragrances.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering floral note; careful balancing is required.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can be overshadowed by more dominant notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications are often based on industry experience rather than published data.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are limited.
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 2026-08-10 19:45:18 GMT (p2)