FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Propyl Succinate (CAS: 52762-25-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ethyl Propyl Succinate
- IUPAC Name: Ethyl propyl butanedioate
- CAS Number: 52762-25-1
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C9H16O4
- Molecular Weight: 188.22 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl propyl succinate is an ester, a class of compounds known for their fruity odors. The ester linkage contributes to its characteristic scent profile, which is often used in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ethyl propyl succinate is characterized by a fruity odor with nuances of apple and pear. It is typically used as a modifier to enhance the fruity notes in both flavors and fragrances. The intensity of its scent is moderate, providing a balanced diffusion that complements other fruity esters. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is generally used in low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ethyl propyl succinate is not commonly found in nature and is typically synthesized for use in industrial applications. It can be formed through esterification, a chemical reaction between propyl alcohol and succinic acid. This synthetic origin means 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 propyl succinate is used in a variety of flavor categories, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and desserts. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the overall fruitiness and providing depth to flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. It is relatively 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 the fragrance industry, ethyl propyl succinate is used in fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a trace realism enhancer, adding authenticity to synthetic fruit notes. Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often below 1% of the total composition, to prevent overwhelming the blend. Its volatility is moderate, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Specific regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries are not clearly documented; general safety and usage guidelines apply.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; general safety standards should be followed.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are reported; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ethyl propyl succinate is valued for its ability to enhance fruity notes without dominating the overall profile. It synergizes well with other esters and can be used to round out harsh or synthetic notes. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as it can lead to an artificial taste or scent. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ethyl propyl succinate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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 2026-04-08 08:16:30 GMT (p2)