FlavScents AInsights Entry: Vanillyl Butyl Ether (CAS: 82654-98-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Vanillyl Butyl Ether
• IUPAC Name: 4-(Butoxymethyl)-2-methoxyphenol
• CAS Number: 82654-98-6
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C12H18O3
• Molecular Weight: 210.27 g/mol

Vanillyl butyl ether is a synthetic compound characterized by its ether functional group, which contributes to its stability and distinctive sensory properties. The presence of the methoxy group is crucial for its mild, sweet, and creamy odor profile, often associated with vanilla-like notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Vanillyl butyl ether is known for its warm, sweet, and creamy vanilla-like aroma. It is often described as having a mild intensity with a smooth diffusion, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. The compound is typically used as a background note to enhance the richness and depth of formulations. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Vanillyl butyl ether does not occur naturally and is synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation involves the etherification of vanillin, a process that enhances its stability and modifies its sensory characteristics. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Vanillyl butyl ether is primarily used in sweet flavor categories, such as vanilla, chocolate, and confectionery. It serves as a flavor enhancer, providing depth and creaminess to formulations. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, vanillyl butyl ether is utilized in various product types, including perfumes, lotions, and creams. It is often incorporated into oriental and gourmand fragrance families, where it acts as a base note, providing warmth and sweetness. Typical concentration ranges are from 0.01% to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its low volatility contributes to its role as a base note, offering long-lasting effects.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
• Latin America: No specific listings; usage should adhere to regional safety and regulatory standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations; no significant irritation or sensitization reported.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; occupational exposure should follow standard safety protocols.

Risk profiles are generally consistent between food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Vanillyl butyl ether is valued for its ability to impart a rich, creamy vanilla note, enhancing both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other sweet and creamy compounds, such as ethyl vanillin and heliotropin. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on vanillyl butyl ether is well-established in terms of its sensory properties and general usage guidelines. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments.

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 00:45:40 GMT (p2)