FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Anisyl Propionate (CAS: 7549-33-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): para-Anisyl Propionate
- IUPAC Name: Propanoic acid, 3-methoxyphenyl ester
- CAS Number: 7549-33-9
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported
- Molecular Formula: C10H12O3
- Molecular Weight: 180.20 g/mol
para-Anisyl propionate is characterized by its ester functional group, which contributes to its sweet, floral aroma. The methoxy group on the aromatic ring is significant for its odor profile, enhancing its olfactory properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
para-Anisyl propionate is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly fruity aroma, reminiscent of hawthorn and anise. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with good diffusion properties. This compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a sweet and floral character.
Taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
para-Anisyl propionate is not widely reported as occurring naturally in significant quantities. It is primarily synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. The compound can be formed through esterification of anisyl alcohol with propionic acid.
Its synthetic origin does not typically qualify it for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations unless derived from natural precursors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
para-Anisyl propionate is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral and fruity profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often used to impart a sweet, floral note that enhances the overall complexity of the flavor.
Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests usage in the range of 1-10 ppm, depending on the application. It is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, para-Anisyl propionate is used across various fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing a sweet, floral aroma that enhances the fragrance's complexity.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are not explicitly documented, but it is often used in trace amounts due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: para-Anisyl propionate is not explicitly listed in FEMA GRAS publications, indicating a need for formulators to verify its status for specific applications.
- European Union: Not clearly reported under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; formulators should consult the latest EFSA opinions.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulatory alignment with the EU is assumed, but specific divergences should be verified.
- Asia: Limited data available; formulators should consult national regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries.
- Latin America: Regulatory status in Brazil and MERCOSUR is not clearly documented; local regulations should be consulted.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) is not found. Formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry-typical ranges to maintain safety.
- Dermal Exposure: No specific data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should follow IFRA guidelines for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring more stringent dermal safety assessments.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
para-Anisyl propionate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral enhancement.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on para-Anisyl propionate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which require formulators to exercise caution and verify information from authoritative sources.
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 2026-03-24 18:49:55 GMT (p2)
