ethyl benzene

Full Material List

ethylbenzene

Identifiers

CAS (Single)	100-41-4
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	202-849-4
Synonyms	benzene, ethyl- ethyl benzol ethyl-benzene ethylbenzene ethylbenzol alpha- methyl toluene phenyl ethane phenylethane
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII	L5I45M5G0O
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	3.10 (est)
Molecular Weight	106.1677
Molecular Formula	C8 H10

Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	colorless clear liquid (est)
Assay	95.00 to 100.00
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	-94.90 Â°C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point	135.00 to 137.00 Â°C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point	79.00 Â°F. TCC ( 25.90 Â°C. ) (est)
Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	9.600000 mmHg @ 25.00 Â°C. (est)
Vapor Density	N/A
logP (o/w)	3.15
Soluble In	alcohol water, 169 mg/L @ 25 °C (exp) water
Occurrence	apricot fruit cherry sweet cherry chu-lan tree dendrobium superbum kiwi fruit mangrove bark oil cuba @ trace% michelia alba flower absolute @ 0.02% ophrys speculum osmanthus flower absolute @ 0.02% peach fruit pear fruit plum fruit rue oil @ 0.02% safflower flower walnut black walnut fruit walnut black walnut nut walnut black walnut oil

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Benzene (CAS: 100-41-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): Ethyl benzene
IUPAC Name: Ethylbenzene
CAS Number: 100-41-4
FEMA Number: Data not found
Other Identifiers: FL number not clearly reported; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
Molecular Formula: C8H10
Molecular Weight: 106.17 g/mol
Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with an ethyl group attached to a benzene ring. Its structure contributes to its characteristic sweet, gasoline-like odor, which is relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Ethyl benzene is known for its sweet, gasoline-like odor. It is often described as having a mild, aromatic scent with moderate intensity and diffusion.
Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported in the literature.
Typical Sensory Role: In flavor and fragrance formulations, ethyl benzene is typically used as a background realism note or as a modifier to enhance the aromatic profile of a composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Known Natural Sources: Ethyl benzene is not commonly found in nature but can be present in some essential oils and as a byproduct of certain natural processes.
Formation Pathways: It is primarily produced through industrial processes, such as the catalytic alkylation of benzene with ethylene.
Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, ethyl benzene is not typically classified under natural flavor or fragrance designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Flavor Categories and Applications: Ethyl benzene is used in various flavor applications, particularly in recreating complex aromatic profiles.
Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It serves as a background note, providing depth and complexity to flavor compositions.
Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels in finished food or beverage products are not clearly reported. Industry-typical estimates suggest low ppm levels.
Stability Considerations: Ethyl benzene is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Fragrance Families and Product Types: Ethyl benzene is used in various fragrance families, including those requiring a gasoline-like or aromatic character.
Functional Role: It acts as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the aromatic profile of a fragrance.
Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used in trace amounts due to its potent odor.
Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Ethyl benzene is volatile and contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Ethyl benzene is not specifically listed as GRAS for flavor use.
European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008): Not explicitly listed under flavoring substances.
United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Specific regulatory status not clearly documented.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Ethyl benzene is not typically used in food applications, and specific ADI or MSDI values are not available.
Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, ethyl benzene may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is a consideration, particularly in occupational settings. Proper ventilation and safety measures are recommended.
Risk Profiles: The risk profile may differ between food and fragrance applications, with greater concern in fragrance due to dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Why This Material is Valuable: Ethyl benzene provides a unique aromatic profile that can enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances.
Typical Synergies: It blends well with other aromatic hydrocarbons and can enhance the overall profile of a composition.
Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering gasoline-like odor, which may not be desirable.
Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used due to its potent odor, requiring careful balancing in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Well-Established Data: The chemical identity and sensory profile of ethyl benzene are well-documented.
Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and specific applications may vary, with limited published data.
Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and safety data for flavor use are 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
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 2026-06-03 14:30:20 GMT (p2)

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