AInsights Entry for Strawberry Glycidate 2 (CAS: 121-39-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Strawberry glycidate 2
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycidate
• CAS Number: 121-39-1
• FEMA Number: Data not found
• Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported
• Molecular Formula: C12H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Strawberry glycidate 2 contains an epoxide group, which is crucial for its characteristic fruity and sweet odor profile. The presence of the phenyl group contributes to its aromatic properties, enhancing its use in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Strawberry glycidate 2 is known for its sweet, fruity, and strawberry-like aroma. It is often described as having a strong, diffusive scent that is reminiscent of ripe strawberries.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic strawberry character and enhancing the overall fruity profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Strawberry glycidate 2 is not naturally occurring and is synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Formation Pathways: It is typically produced through chemical synthesis involving the reaction of ethyl phenylacetate with formaldehyde and subsequent epoxidation.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Primarily used in fruit flavors, especially strawberry, but also applicable in other berry and tropical fruit profiles.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth to strawberry flavors.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 1 to 20 ppm in finished food products, with typical industry use around 5 ppm.
• Stability Considerations: Generally stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in fruity and floral fragrance compositions, including personal care products and household items.
• Functional Role: Provides a fresh, sweet, and fruity top note, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: Used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Primarily contributes to the top note due to its high volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported; formulators should verify compliance with EU flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Aligns with EU regulations; specific divergences not reported.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status varies; formulators should consult local regulations.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Usage should comply with regional flavoring standards; specific approvals not reported.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI reported; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe in fragrance applications; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use levels.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be in place during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Offers a potent and authentic strawberry aroma, enhancing both flavor and fragrance formulations.
• Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other fruity and floral notes, such as raspberry ketone and ethyl maltol, to create complex and appealing profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma; balance with other notes is crucial.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its impact could enhance the overall profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Chemical identity and sensory profile are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and synergies are based on industry norms.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and safety thresholds are not always clearly reported.

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 2026-03-17 18:49:46 GMT (p2)