FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate (CAS: 77-83-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate, Strawberry Aldehyde
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 3-methyl-3-phenylglycidate
• CAS Number: 77-83-8
• FEMA Number: 2460
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.015, CoE number 146
• Molecular Formula: C12H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 206.24 g/mol

Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is characterized by an epoxide functional group, which contributes to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of strawberries. The presence of the phenyl group enhances its aromatic profile, making it a popular choice in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is renowned for its sweet, fruity odor with strong strawberry notes. It is often described as having a candy-like, floral undertone with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a realistic strawberry character. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is typically used at low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate does not occur naturally and is synthesized for use in flavors and fragrances. It is produced through the reaction of ethyl phenylacetate with formaldehyde and subsequent epoxidation. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is widely used in fruit-flavored products, particularly those mimicking strawberry, raspberry, and other red fruits. It serves as an impact note and is often used in conjunction with other esters to enhance fruitiness. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an artificial taste. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is used to impart a sweet, fruity note, often in floral and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

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 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• 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

For oral exposure, Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is considered safe at typical use levels, with an ADI not specifically established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is valued for its ability to impart a strong, realistic strawberry note. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes to enhance fruitiness. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an artificial taste, and instability under extreme conditions. It is often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on Ethyl Methylphenylglycidate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological data may be limited.

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 2026-03-17 18:50:35 GMT (p2)