FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl Anthranilate (CAS: 134-20-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Methyl anthranilate
- IUPAC Name: Methyl 2-aminobenzoate
- CAS Number: 134-20-3
- FEMA Number: 2682
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.003
- Molecular Formula: C8H9NO2
- Molecular Weight: 151.16 g/mol
Methyl anthranilate is an ester of anthranilic acid and methanol. It features an aromatic benzene ring with an ester functional group, contributing to its distinctive grape-like odor. The presence of the amino group in its structure is crucial for its characteristic scent, which is widely used in both flavor and fragrance industries.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Methyl anthranilate is renowned for its sweet, fruity, and floral aroma, often described as reminiscent of Concord grapes. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it a popular choice for imparting a grape-like note in flavor formulations. The compound is also noted for its ability to enhance the perception of sweetness in flavor systems. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not universally documented, it is generally recognized for its impactful sensory role as an impact note and modifier.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Methyl anthranilate naturally occurs in various fruits and flowers, including grapes, oranges, and jasmine. It is biosynthesized in plants through the shikimate pathway, where it serves as a volatile compound contributing to the plant's aroma profile. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on its extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Methyl anthranilate is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as grape, orange, and berry. It serves as an impact note, providing a distinctive grape-like aroma and enhancing the overall sweetness of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and application. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, methyl anthranilate is utilized across various 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 in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired olfactory effect. Its moderate volatility allows it to blend well with other fragrance components, enhancing the overall complexity of the scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
Methyl anthranilate is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status. It is also permitted in fragrances with certain restrictions.
European Union
Under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, methyl anthranilate is listed as a flavoring substance with an assigned FL number. Its use in fragrances is subject to IFRA standards.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations regarding flavor and fragrance use of methyl anthranilate.
Asia
In Japan and China, methyl anthranilate is permitted for use in flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulatory guidelines.
Latin America
Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize methyl anthranilate under harmonized flavor and fragrance regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Methyl anthranilate is considered safe for oral consumption within established limits, with an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, methyl anthranilate is evaluated for potential irritation and sensitization. IFRA provides guidelines to mitigate dermal exposure risks.
Inhalation Exposure
Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is a consideration in occupational settings, though no significant risks are reported under normal use conditions.
Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with safety measures in place to ensure consumer protection.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Methyl anthranilate is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive grape-like aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively, and it is often under-utilized in non-fruit applications where it can add unexpected depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on methyl anthranilate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented uses may exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major regulatory bodies.
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 2026-02-13 15:50:25 GMT (p2)
