FlavScents AInsights Entry for Beta-Terpinyl Acetate (CAS: 10198-23-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Beta-terpinyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-4-yl acetate
- CAS Number: 10198-23-9
- FEMA Number: 3045
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.271
- Molecular Formula: C12H20O2
- Molecular Weight: 196.29 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure-Odor Relevance: Beta-terpinyl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its pleasant, fruity, and floral aroma. The acetate group is crucial for its characteristic scent, often described as sweet and citrusy.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Beta-terpinyl acetate is known for its sweet, citrusy, and floral aroma, often compared to lilac or lavender. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a popular choice in both flavor and fragrance applications. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and uplifting character. Odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Beta-terpinyl acetate is naturally found in a variety of essential oils, including those of lavender, sweet marjoram, and cardamom. It is formed through the esterification of terpineol, a process that can occur naturally in plants or be replicated synthetically. Its presence in essential oils contributes to their designation as "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances."
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Beta-terpinyl acetate is used in flavor formulations to impart a fresh, citrusy note. It is commonly found in fruit flavors, particularly citrus and berry, as well as in herbal and floral profiles. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products 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 high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, beta-terpinyl acetate is valued for its versatility and pleasant aroma. It is used in a variety of fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and herbal. Its role can vary from a trace realism enhancer to a prominent impact note. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
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 number 09.271.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific regulations due to potential variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but considered low due to typical use levels.
- Dermal Exposure: Considered safe for use in fragrances, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization. IFRA standards should be consulted for specific product types.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Risk profiles are similar for food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Beta-terpinyl acetate is valued for its ability to enhance freshness and add complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, but care should be taken to avoid overpowering the formulation. Common pitfalls include using excessive amounts, which can lead to a synthetic or harsh aroma. It is often under-used in herbal blends, where it can add a subtle, uplifting note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on beta-terpinyl acetate is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for safety assessments are less frequently reported. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies and comprehensive sensory thresholds.
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 07:14:44 GMT (p2)