FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Acrylate (CAS: 140-88-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Acrylate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl prop-2-enoate
• CAS Number: 140-88-5
• FEMA Number: 2426
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.015
• Molecular Formula: C5H8O2
• Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol

Ethyl acrylate is an ester of acrylic acid and ethanol. It features a vinyl group adjacent to a carbonyl group, which contributes to its reactivity and odor profile. The presence of the ester functional group is significant for its characteristic fruity odor, which is leveraged in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl acrylate is characterized by a sharp, pungent odor with fruity and ethereal notes. It is often described as having a pineapple-like scent, which can be quite intense and diffusive. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a bright, fresh top note that can enhance the overall sensory experience. The odor threshold for ethyl acrylate is relatively low, making it effective in small concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl acrylate is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through synthetic processes. It is primarily produced via the esterification of acrylic acid with ethanol. This compound is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl acrylate is used in various flavor categories, including fruity and confectionery profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing a bright, fresh note that can enhance fruit flavors like pineapple and apple. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. Ethyl acrylate is relatively stable under normal 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, ethyl acrylate is used across multiple fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and green compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top note of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ethyl acrylate is approved for use as a flavoring agent under FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: It is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory alignment remains consistent with the EU.
• Asia: In Japan and China, ethyl acrylate is subject to specific flavor and fragrance regulations, with usage levels and applications closely monitored.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards but with specific local requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl acrylate's safety profile varies with exposure routes:

• Oral Exposure: The compound has a low ADI, and its use in flavors is limited to low ppm levels to ensure safety.
• Dermal Exposure: It can cause irritation and sensitization, making it important to adhere to IFRA guidelines in fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, occupational exposure limits are set to minimize inhalation risks in manufacturing settings.

The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with stricter controls in place for dermal and inhalation exposures.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl acrylate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note that enhances the overall sensory profile of a product. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl acrylate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in regulatory interpretations across regions. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory nuances.

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

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 2026-02-13 12:25:47 GMT (p2)