FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol (CAS: 54446-78-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol
• IUPAC Name: 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol
• CAS Number: 54446-78-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H18O3
• Molecular Weight: 162.23 g/mol

1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is a glycol ether, characterized by its ether and alcohol functional groups. These groups contribute to its solubility in both water and organic solvents, making it a versatile solvent in various applications. The presence of the butoxy group can influence its odor profile, although it is primarily used for its solvent properties rather than its scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavor or fragrance applications. It may have a mild, ether-like odor, but this is not its primary function. Its role as a solvent means it is more often used to dissolve other compounds rather than imparting a distinct scent or flavor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is typically produced through the reaction of ethylene oxide with butanol, a process that does not align with the criteria for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is not commonly used in flavor formulations due to its primary role as a solvent. When used, it serves to dissolve flavor compounds, aiding in the uniform distribution of flavors in a product. Specific ppm ranges for flavor use are not typically documented, as its use is more functional than sensory.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is valued for its solvent properties rather than its scent. It helps in the formulation of fragrances by dissolving aromatic compounds and ensuring even distribution. It does not contribute significantly to the fragrance profile in terms of volatility or scent notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not specifically listed as a FEMA GRAS substance for flavor use.
• European Union: Not listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information available; typically follows international guidelines.
• Latin America: Regulatory status not explicitly documented; generally aligns with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Not typically used in food applications; therefore, oral exposure data is limited.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe as a solvent in cosmetic applications, with low irritation potential.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but adequate ventilation is recommended during use to minimize occupational exposure.

Overall, 1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is considered safe when used appropriately in industrial applications, with minimal risk in consumer products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is valued for its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, making it a versatile solvent in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It is often used to enhance the solubility of less soluble ingredients, ensuring a homogeneous mixture. Formulators should be aware of its solvent properties and ensure compatibility with other formulation components to avoid precipitation or separation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 1-(2-butoxyethoxy) ethanol is well-established in terms of its chemical properties and solvent applications. However, specific sensory and regulatory data are less documented, reflecting its primary use as a functional ingredient rather than a sensory one.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for this compound)
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for this compound)

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 2026-05-18 19:12:36 GMT (p2)