FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetyl Propionyl (CAS: 600-14-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetyl propionyl, 2,3-Pentanedione
• IUPAC Name: Pentane-2,3-dione
• CAS Number: 600-14-6
• FEMA Number: 2843
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.191
• Molecular Formula: C5H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Acetyl propionyl is a diketone, characterized by two carbonyl groups. This structure contributes to its buttery and creamy odor profile, making it relevant in flavor applications where such notes are desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Acetyl propionyl is known for its buttery, creamy, and slightly sweet aroma. It is often described as having a rich, dairy-like character with moderate intensity and good diffusion.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: The odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at low concentrations.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic buttery note that enhances the richness and depth of the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Acetyl propionyl is not commonly found in nature but can be present in some fermented products due to microbial activity.
• Formation Pathways: It can form through fermentation processes or as a byproduct of the Maillard reaction, which occurs during the cooking of foods.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: While it can be derived from natural processes, acetyl propionyl is often synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Acetyl propionyl is widely used in dairy, bakery, and confectionery flavors to impart a buttery note.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a key modifier, enhancing the creamy and rich aspects of a flavor profile.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 1 to 20 ppm in finished food products, with typical levels around 5 ppm. These values are industry-typical and should be verified for specific applications.
• Stability Considerations: Acetyl propionyl is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which may affect its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: It is used in gourmand and creamy fragrance compositions, often in personal care products and fine fragrances.
• Functional Role: Acetyl propionyl serves as a trace realism note, adding depth and richness to fragrance blends.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at low concentrations, often below 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the middle notes, providing a creamy backdrop that supports other fragrance elements.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL Number Status): Approved for use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Aligns with EU regulations.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally permitted, but specific regulations may vary.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Permitted with similar regulatory frameworks as the US and EU.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Acetyl propionyl has a low acute toxicity profile. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is considered safe at typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally regarded as safe for dermal exposure in fragrance applications, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate, and while occupational exposure should be minimized, typical use levels in consumer products are not considered hazardous.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Acetyl propionyl is prized for its ability to impart a rich, buttery note that enhances the sensory appeal of both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: It works well with other creamy and sweet notes, such as vanillin and ethyl maltol, to create complex profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering buttery note that may dominate the profile.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in savory applications where a subtle buttery note can enhance umami flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: The sensory profile and typical use levels are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Some use levels and synergies are based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific ADI values are not established, and regional regulatory nuances may exist.

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 2026-11-09 17:13:30 GMT (p2)