FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl Benzoate (CAS: 93-58-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Benzoate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl benzoate
• CAS Number: 93-58-3
• FEMA Number: 2688
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 136.15 g/mol

Methyl benzoate is an ester formed from benzoic acid and methanol. It features a benzene ring with a methoxycarbonyl group, contributing to its characteristic sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of fruits and flowers. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl benzoate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of wintergreen or ylang-ylang. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl benzoate occurs naturally in various plants and fruits, including ylang-ylang, tuberose, and strawberries. It is formed through the esterification of benzoic acid with methanol, a reaction that can occur naturally in plants or be synthesized industrially. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl benzoate is used in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and confectionery. It serves as an impact note, providing a sweet and floral character to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It 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

In fragrances, methyl benzoate is utilized across several families, including floral, fruity, and oriental. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges from trace amounts to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to enhance the initial impression of a fragrance.

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 No. 09.013.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved in Japan and China, with specific use levels varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals exist for both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, country-specific variations may apply, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, methyl benzoate is considered safe within the typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings. Risk profiles are similar for both food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl benzoate is valued for its sweet, floral aroma, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, but care must be taken to avoid overpowering the blend. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an artificial or cloying effect. It is often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on methyl benzoate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented variations exist in use levels and applications. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major authorities.

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 2026-02-06 07:11:52 GMT (p2)