FlavScents AInsights Entry for Phenyl Acetaldehyde Dimethyl Acetal (CAS: 101-48-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal
• IUPAC Name: 1,1-dimethoxy-2-phenylethane
• CAS Number: 101-48-4
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not found; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C10H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 166.22 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal contains an acetal functional group, which is known for its stability in neutral and basic conditions but can hydrolyze in acidic environments. The phenyl group contributes to its aromatic properties, influencing its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is characterized by a sweet, floral odor with nuances of honey and green notes. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound's sensory role typically involves enhancing floral and sweet profiles, contributing to the overall complexity and realism of the formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the acetalization of phenylacetaldehyde. This compound is not typically associated with "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is used in various flavor categories, including floral, honey, and green notes. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing depth and enhancing the sweetness of the formulation. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical levels often around 5 ppm. The compound is relatively stable under neutral pH conditions but may degrade under acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is utilized in floral and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion. Its volatility is moderate, making it suitable for both top and middle note applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should be aligned with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be used under general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage should comply with general flavor and fragrance safety standards in Japan, China, and ASEAN regions.
• Latin America: No specific data for Brazil or MERCOSUR; general safety and regulatory compliance are advised.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; general safety practices should be followed.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring careful consideration of dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is valued for its ability to enhance floral and sweet notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and sweet compounds, providing a rounded and complex profile. Formulators should be cautious of its stability in acidic environments and consider its moderate volatility when designing fragrance compositions. It is often under-utilized in formulations where a subtle floral enhancement is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on phenyl acetaldehyde dimethyl acetal is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which necessitate reliance on general industry practices and safety guidelines.

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 2026-03-27 15:37:26 GMT (p2)