FlavScents AInsights Entry: Xylenes Isomers Plus Ethyl Benzene (CAS: 1330-20-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Xylenes, Ethylbenzene
- IUPAC Name: Xylene (1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1,3-dimethylbenzene, 1,4-dimethylbenzene), Ethylbenzene
- CAS Number: 1330-20-7
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; IFRA reference not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C8H10 for xylenes; C8H10 for ethylbenzene
- Molecular Weight: Approximately 106.17 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Xylenes and ethylbenzene are aromatic hydrocarbons. The methyl groups in xylenes contribute to their distinct sweet and solvent-like odor, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Xylenes have a sweet, solvent-like odor with moderate intensity and diffusion. Ethylbenzene has a similar sweet, gasoline-like odor.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Not clearly reported; typically low due to high volatility.
- Typical Sensory Role: Used as impact notes in industrial and chemical settings rather than in consumer products due to their strong solvent-like characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Xylenes and ethylbenzene are primarily derived from petroleum and coal tar. They are not typically found in natural food sources.
- Formation Pathways: Produced during the catalytic reforming of naphtha in petroleum refining.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Not applicable as these compounds are synthetic and not derived from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Limited use in flavors due to their solvent-like odor; primarily used in industrial applications.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Not typically used in consumer flavor systems.
- Typical Use Levels: Data not found; generally not used in food or beverages.
- Stability Considerations: Stable under normal conditions but can oxidize under prolonged exposure to air and light.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Used in industrial and chemical products rather than consumer fragrances.
- Functional Role: Provides a solvent-like note; not typically used in consumer fragrance products.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Not applicable for consumer products.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: High volatility; contributes to the top note in industrial applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not generally recognized as safe for use in food or consumer fragrances.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not approved for use in food or consumer fragrances.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Generally restricted in consumer products.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Similar restrictions as in the US and EU.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Not applicable for flavor use; no ADI or MSDI established.
- Dermal Exposure: Can cause irritation; not recommended for use in consumer fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: High volatility poses inhalation risks; occupational exposure limits are established.
- Risk Profiles: Higher risk in industrial settings; not used in consumer products due to safety concerns.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Primarily valued in industrial applications for its solvent properties.
- Typical Synergies: Not applicable in consumer products.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Avoid use in consumer products due to safety and regulatory restrictions.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Overused in industrial settings; not used in consumer products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Regulatory and safety data are well-documented for industrial use.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Limited to industrial applications.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: No significant gaps; clear restrictions in consumer applications.
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 (not applicable)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable)
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 2026-09-28 11:31:36 GMT (p2)